Govt Seeks World Bank Funding for Gabtoli-Narayanganj Metro Rail
The government has formally requested funding from the World Bank for the 30-kilometre MRT Line-2 project, which will run from Gabtoli to Narayanganj via New Market. According to Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the project is estimated to cost Tk 60,837 crore, equivalent to around $4.95 billion.
The World Bank is preparing a new country programme for Bangladesh. Discussions with relevant stakeholders began in September and are expected to conclude in November. Talks on financing the project will begin after the discussions are completed.
According to the preliminary project proposal, MRT Line-2 will start at Gabtoli and pass through Dhaka Udyan, Basila intersection, Mohammadpur BRTC Bus Stand, Dhanmondi 15 (Jigatala), Science Lab, New Market, Azimpur, Lalbagh, Chawkbazar, Mitford, Nayabazar, Dholaikhal, Dayaganj, Jatrabari, Demra, Signboard, Bhuiyanagar, Chashara and Shibu Market before reaching Narayanganj.
Officials said the finance and planning minister approved the project proposal on September 20. Following the approval, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) sent a formal request letter to the World Bank seeking financing.
MRT Line-2 will connect with both routes of MRT Line-5 at Gabtoli. It will also connect with MRT Lines 1, 4 and 6 at Kamalapur Metro Station, while Signboard will serve as an interchange with MRT Line-4.
After several years of slow progress in metro rail projects, the current government has prioritised their accelerated implementation.
The government plans to build six metro rail lines in Dhaka. Construction of MRT Line-6, MRT Line-1 and the northern route of MRT Line-5 has already begun with Japanese financing.
