The Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT) Project

Authors: Abu Raihan Rifat, Tanjimul Rafi, Md Adnan Rahman, Atia Fariha, Jarin Tasnim Saba, Abdullah Al Wakil, Taosif al Afnan

Project Overview

A significant advancement in urban infrastructure, the Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT) Project aims to alleviate the city’s ongoing traffic jams, improve connectivity, and promote sustainable urban growth. The MRT network, led by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), is intended to combine state-of-the-art engineering solutions with socioeconomic goals, guaranteeing millions of citizens dependable, eco-friendly, and effective public transportation.


The first operating section of this enormous project, MRT Line-6, connects Uttara and Motijheel along important metropolitan corridors. It has 16 modern stations and elevated viaducts. Modern urban planning principles are given top priority in this project, guaranteeing minimal land acquisition, smooth multi-modal connectivity, and sustainability-focused design features like rainwater harvesting and regenerative braking.

The long-term plan calls for the construction of more MRT lines, each specifically designed to link vital urban and suburban areas, including Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Purbachal. Through the promotion of a transition from fossil fuel-based transportation to an electrified rail system, these lines seek to decentralise urban density, shorten commutes, and enhance air quality.

The MRT project is a driver for socioeconomic change in addition to reducing traffic. Through construction, operations, and station-adjacent commercial activity, it lowers economic losses from traffic, saves a significant amount of time on commutes, and creates job opportunities. The Dhaka Metro Rail is positioned to transform the city into a more dynamic, sustainable, and interconnected metropolitan centre with its emphasis on inclusivity, dependability, and environmental stewardship.

Planning and Design

The planning and designing metro rail systems involve diverse technical and civil engineering considerations to create efficient, safe, and sustainable urban transportation networks. For the Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT) project, including MRT Line-6, the following key aspects were prioritized:

1. Route Alignment and Geometric Design

  • Route Selection: The route is designed to minimize land acquisition, environmental disruption, and construction complexity. MRT Line-6, for instance, runs along key urban routes like Uttara to Motijheel.
  • Alignment Design: Elevated or underground alignments are chosen based on population density and existing infrastructure. MRT Line-6 utilizes an elevated design to reduce land usage while requiring robust structural planning.
  • Minimum Curve Radius: Ensures safe train navigation, typically between 250–300 m for urban metros.
  • Gradient Limits: Controlled at under 4% to facilitate smooth acceleration and braking.

2. Track Design

  • Gauge: Standard gauge (1435 mm) is adopted for compatibility with global metro systems.
  • Ballastless Tracks: Chosen for durability and lower maintenance, especially on elevated sections.
  • Vibration Control: Utilization of rubber pads and elastic fasteners mitigates noise and vibrations.

3. Structural Design

  • Elevated Viaducts:
    • Constructed using precast concrete segments joined with post-tensioning for durability.
    • Engineered to withstand seismic forces, wind pressures, and dynamic train loads.
    • Supported by piers spaced 20–30 m apart for structural stability and economic efficiency.
  • Station Design: Stations feature concourse levels, platforms, escalators, and elevators to handle large passenger volumes efficiently.
  • Underground Design: While MRT Line-6 is primarily elevated, underground metro designs involve tunnel boring and cut-and-cover methods.

4. Civil and Geotechnical Aspects

  • Foundation Design: Pile and caisson foundations address Dhaka’s soft soils, incorporating soil stabilization to ensure adequate load-bearing capacity.
  • Seismic Design: Structures are developed to meet international seismic codes (e.g., AASHTO, Eurocode), as Bangladesh is in a moderate seismic zone.
  • Flood and Drainage Management: Elevated tracks mitigate flood risks, with drainage systems integrated into station and track designs to prevent waterlogging.

5. Station Design

  • Capacity: Configured to manage high passenger traffic during peak hours with trains running every 2–4 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Features like escalators, elevators, pedestrian bridges, and universal design ensure inclusivity for differently-abled individuals.
  • Safety Systems: Includes platform screen doors, fire safety measures, evacuation routes, and backup power systems.

6. Traffic and Transportation Integration

  • Multi-Modal Connectivity: Stations are linked to buses, rickshaws, and private transport for seamless mobility.
  • Park-and-Ride Facilities: Key stations, such as Uttara, provide parking options to encourage metro use.
  • Signal Coordination: Integrated with road networks to optimize traffic flow.

7. Construction Techniques and Challenges

  • Land Acquisition: Narrow corridors for elevated tracks reduce land requirements.
  • Precast Construction: Accelerates the building process and minimizes traffic disruptions.
  • Traffic Management: Temporary diversions and flyovers ensure uninterrupted road usage during construction.

8. Environmental and Social Impact

  • Pollution Control: Noise barriers and dust control measures mitigate construction impacts.
  • Resettlement: Efforts focus on utilizing government-owned land to minimize displacement.

9. Power and Systems Engineering

  • Power Supply: Operates on a 1500V DC overhead catenary system for energy efficiency.
  • Signaling: Incorporates advanced systems like Automatic Train Control (ATC) and Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) for safe, efficient operations.
  • Operations Control Center (OCC): Centrally manages train scheduling, emergencies, and monitoring.

10. Sustainability Features

  • Energy Efficiency: Regenerative braking systems contribute to energy conservation.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Implemented at station roofs for sustainable water management.
  • Eco-Friendly Construction: Emphasis on green building materials and methods.

The Dhaka Metro Rail project exemplifies modern urban infrastructure designed to address congestion while leveraging cutting-edge civil engineering practices for a sustainable and efficient transportation system.

Impact of the Project

One of the most effective long-term solutions to Dhaka’s traffic congestion is the expansion and improvement of the city’s public transport infrastructure.  Dhaka Metro is already under development, their limited coverage and slow progress need to be addressed. Expanding these networks, along with ensuring that they are integrated seamlessly with other modes of transport, will provide commuters with an efficient, reliable alternative to private vehicles. The Metro Rail, operated by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), currently operates only in one line, which is MRT Line-6. The line has 16 stations operational in service between Uttara North and Motijheel. There are 5 more MRT lines under construction, which will join different areas of Dhaka city.

Escape from Traffic Congestion:

The traffic jam causes massive economic loss in Bangladesh. According to a study of BUET conducted in 2018, the traffic congestion of Dhaka city costs $4.4 Bn annually, which is more than 10% of the national budget. According to a World Bank report of 2017, 3.8 million working hours are being wasted every day for traffic jams in Dhaka. If the value of wasted working hours is being taken into account, the loss becomes huge which creates a negative impact on the national economy. According to Moazzem Hossain, a director of the Accident research institute, Bangladesh can save $2.6 Bn if we can reduce 60% traffic congestion in Dhaka. Besides, according to the daily star, the Metro Rail project will save $2.4 Bn each year which is equal to 1.5% of the national GDP. Apart from that, Metro Rail will ease the transportation for more than 15 million people of Dhaka and speed up daily life, which will create a bigger positive impact on the economy. It has been estimated that Bangladesh can save USD 2.6 billion if we can reduce 60% of traffic congestion in Dhaka. If the Metro Rail gets the expected level of acceptance, this scenario is very likely.

Economic Impact:

The Metro Rail project, on average, will save 100.6 minutes per person per day (Average travel time using Bus = 146.8 minutes, Using Metro rail = 46.2 minutes).  If all of the Dhaka dwellers, 22.50 million people, use the services of the Metro rail of Bangladesh, savings will be as high as Tk73,575 million or Tk7,357.5 crore. Besides, the Metro Rail project will also save USD 2.4 billion each year, which is equal to 1.5% of the national GDP.

Decentralization of Urban Population

The density of the population can be reduced from Dhaka city once the Metro Rail comes into operation. People can stay outside the city by spending much less on house rent and come to Dhaka easily for office and other purposes. For example, people living in Gazipur or Narayanganj areas can travel to the main city within less than an hour once all the routes are complete. Every Metro Rail route has scope for expansion in the future. So, the whole transit system can be expanded to nearby towns. People currently living in these areas can also join the workforce of the main city without living there.

Quality and Reliability:

The MRT ensures a high level of service quality, marked by punctuality, comfort, cleanliness, and safety. It is designed to meet the daily commuting needs of passengers reliably, adhering to schedules and providing clear information about routes and fares.

Economic Growth and the Creation of Jobs

It is also anticipated that the metro rail project will create a large number of job opportunities. A sizable workforce will be needed for the metro system’s upkeep and operation as well as the business growth surrounding metro stations. Jobs in maintenance, security, and customer service will be created with the addition of operating rooms, ticket counters, waste management facilities, and other services to each metro station. Furthermore, the commercial districts surrounding metro stations—which include shopping malls, marketplaces, and amusement parks—will support local companies and jobs.

Advantages for the Environment:

It is anticipated that the metro rail system will improve the environment by lowering pollutants. Vehicles that run on fossil fuels are mostly to blame for Dhaka’s longstanding ranking as one of the most polluting cities in the world. Air pollution will decrease as more people utilize the electrified metro rail instead of buses and autos since there will be fewer cars on the road. Additionally, the metro line will use mass-spring system (MSS) technology, which will reduce vibration, shock, and noise while also lessening its environmental impact.

Socio-economic Improvement due to MRT use

The metro rail in Dhaka has sparked a wave of socio-economic progress, reshaping life in the city. It has drastically reduced travel time, allowing people to move more efficiently across the city. This saves precious hours that were once lost in Dhaka’s notorious traffic jams. Workers can now reach their jobs on time, students can attend classes more regularly, and families have more time to spend together. This boost in time efficiency directly translates to greater productivity and improved mental well-being for city dwellers.

Economically, the metro rail has created thousands of job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. From construction workers to station operators and technicians, the project has provided employment for many. Local businesses near metro stations have also seen growth, benefiting from increased foot traffic. Furthermore, better connectivity across the city makes it easier for businesses to expand their reach, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and opportunities for citizens from all walks of life.

The environmental and social impact of the metro rail is equally transformative. By offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transport, it has helped reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise levels in Dhaka. This has improved the health and quality of life for residents. Additionally, the metro rail has made the city more inclusive by providing safe and affordable transport for people from all economic backgrounds. It represents a step towards a greener, more connected, and economically vibrant Dhaka. By encouraging people to shift from private vehicles and traditional fossil-fuel-based transport to an efficient, electric-powered system, the metro rail has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This shift has led to cleaner air, lower carbon footprints, and an overall healthier urban environment. With less traffic congestion and fewer vehicles on the road, the city’s noise pollution has also decreased, making Dhaka more peaceful and livable.

The introduction of the metro rail has not only made the city environmentally friendly but also added to its vibrancy. Stations have become hubs of activity, bringing modern infrastructure, clean facilities, and better urban planning to areas that previously lacked such development. These spaces now attract people for work, shopping, and leisure, creating a lively atmosphere. The metro rail has also enabled faster access to cultural, educational, and recreational activities, allowing residents to explore and enjoy the city more freely.

This combination of environmental sustainability and enhanced urban connectivity has transformed Dhaka into a city with brighter prospects. A greener environment supports healthier lives, while a vibrant urban landscape drives economic growth and cultural engagement. Together, these changes make Dhaka a more dynamic and promising capital, paving the way for sustainable development and a higher quality of life for its residents.

Future Expectations from MRT for a Sustainable Future

Metro rail expansion in Bangladesh is pivotal for achieving a sustainable future. The existing Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT line-6) is just the beginning, and future expansion can revolutionise urban mobility. 

New Metro Lines

  1. MRT Line-1– According to the MRT Line-1 project details, the 19.872-km-long underground Airport Route will have 12 underground stations and the 11.369-km-long elevated Purbachal Route will have nine stations including underground ones.Among the nine stations of the Purbachal Route, seven will be elevated and two (Nodda and Natun Bazar) stations will be underground for coordination with the Airport-Kamalapur route. After completion, the metro rail will carry approximately 70,000 people from the airport to Kamalapur and vice versa every hour. Experts said 13.66 lakh people can move by this metro rail per day which is about 2.83 times higher than that of the ongoing MRT Line-6 project.
  2. MRT Line -5: -According to the project documents, the MRT Line-5 will be built from Gabtoli to Dasherkandi via Kalyanpur, Shyamoli, Asad Gate, Russell Square, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjheel, Tejgaon, and Aftabnagar. There will be 11 underground and four elevated stations. The tunnel section will be between Gabtoli and Aftabnagar, while the elevated portion will be from Aftabnagar to Dasherkandi. A feasibility study on the project has already been completed with ADB financing. The deadline for the project is 2030. Around 1.23 million people will ride the metro train every day in the proposed line after the commencement of services.
  • MRT Line-2 will span 24 kilometres from Gabtoli to Demra, including 16 elevated and underground stations. Its primary goal is to connect western and southeastern Dhaka with efficient transit options.
  • MRT Line-3 will run 19.8 kilometres from Gabtoli to Kuril, intersecting several critical transit hubs and linking important areas like Bashundhara and Pragati Sarani. This line is expected to relieve congestion in the city’s north-south corridor.
  • MRT Line-4, covering 16 kilometres from Kamalapur to Narayanganj, is designed to boost inter-district connectivity, enabling faster transit between Dhaka and its neighbouring urban centres.
  • MRT Line-7 will stretch 11 kilometres, providing an essential link between Uttara and Mirpur. The line will complement existing routes and enhance connectivity for northern commuters.

The Metro Rail is going to expand in other cities as well. The main focus is on Chattogram. A feasibility study approved in November 2022, began in January 2023 and is expected to conclude in 2025. The funding for this study is approx. 70.63 crore. This will help to reduce the traffic congestion in Chattogram. There are no metro rail projects announced yet for other cities as of now.

References

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