The proposed construction of two new metro rail lines in Dhaka is projected to be more than twice as expensive as the existing Uttara–Motijheel route. While the Uttara–Motijheel Metro (Line-6) incurred a cost of BDT 1,574 crore per kilometre, the new lines — Kamalapur–Airport–Purbachal (Line-1) and Hemayetpur–Vatara (Line-5) — are estimated at BDT 3,618 crore per kilometre.
The government has yet to make a final decision to proceed with these high-cost projects. Officials at Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) have cautioned that such heavy expenditure would increase passenger fares and place a greater debt burden on the government.
New Metro Lines at a Glance
| Line | Route | Length (km) | Cost per km (BDT crore) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line-1 (New) | Kamalapur–Airport–Purbachal | 31+ | 3,618 | Mixed elevated and underground sections |
| Line-5 (North) | Hemayetpur–Mirpur–Gulshan–Vatara | ~20 | 3,618 | Mixed elevated and underground sections |
| Line-6 (Existing) | Uttara–Motijheel | — | 1,574 | Combination of elevated and underground tracks |
Line-6’s contractor selection began in 2015, alongside plans for five additional metro lines. However, the high cost of the new lines is largely attributed to conditions imposed by the Japanese funding agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). These conditions have restricted contractor competition, a factor that DMTCL identifies as driving up prices.
Faruk Ahmed, Managing Director of DMTCL, explained, “JICA’s conditions limit competition in contractor selection. That is why costs are so high.” Analysts note that opening tender bids to a broader range of companies could significantly reduce costs. Currently, contractors are required to be primarily Japanese firms, contributing to the escalation in expenditure.
If implemented, the two new metro lines would dramatically transform Dhaka’s transportation landscape, easing congestion and providing faster commuting options. Nevertheless, the enormous projected cost places the projects in a state of uncertainty. The government’s forthcoming decision will have significant implications for passenger fares and the country’s debt management.
The total estimated cost for the construction of the two new lines is approximately BDT 1,84,500 crore — nearly double the expenditure of Line-6.