Despite the DMTCL directive to remove the overhead dish and internet cables from along the MRT-6 line within 24 hours by Friday, cable and internet service providers failed to carry out the task.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL) has directed the service providers to remove overhead internet and satellite TV cables connected to 51 buildings along the MRT-6 route through a notice on Thursday.
The DMTCL asked the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) President ABM Saiful Hossain and ISPAB President Emdadul Hoque to take necessary action as per the notice.
The notice warned that if the COAB and ISPAB failed to remove their overhead cables by Friday, legal action will be taken against them by the Metro Rail authorities.
It also said three are multiple internet and satellite TV transmission lines over the viaduct and catenary system of the MRT-6 alignment. A survey conducted by the metro authorities found these connections to 51 buildings.
The notice said that these overhead cables may fall onto the high-capacity metro rail viaduct and overhead catenary system, particularly during the monsoon season, leading to fatal accidents.
When contacted, Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) Emdadul Hoque told the Bangladesh Post that “It’s true there are some overhead cables. We have already directed our members to remove those cables as early as possible. We want to show zero tolerance in this regard.”
“We are going to conduct a survey to identify where and how many of our members have overhead cables. We were told earlier that every cable should installed underground. Hopefully, the problem will come to an end soon. We will have ‘Active Sharing’ option that will help us remove overhead cables across the city,” he added.