For the first time ever, the World Bank is going to finance a metro rail project in Bangladesh. The upcoming MRT Line 2 will connect Gabtoli, Old Dhaka, and Demra. Earlier, countries like Japan, South Korea, and ADB funded metro projects in Bangladesh. Now the World Bank will support this major infrastructure step by helping in design, studies, and possibly investment. The revised route has been shortened to 25km and will include both underground and elevated sections.
World Bank Steps In to Finance MRT 2
The World Bank has officially approved its policy to finance the construction of MRT Line 2, which will run from Gabtoli to Demra, passing through some of the most crowded and busy areas of Old Dhaka.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s metro projects were funded by Japan, South Korea, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Now, the World Bank has agreed to be a new development partner.
The World Bank is giving a $2.5 million grant to start work on the Technical Assistance Project Proforma, which includes the feasibility study, design, and preparation of tender documents.
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Revised Route: Gabtoli to Demra via Old Dhaka
Initially, MRT Line 2 was supposed to run from Gabtoli to Narayanganj Sadar, covering 35km. But now, the route has been shortened to 25km, focusing more on Dhaka city, especially Old Dhaka.
The new route will go through:
Gabtoli → Mohammadpur → New Market → Lalbagh → Mitford → Dholaikhal → Demra
There will also be a branch line from Gulistan to Sadarghat.
Why Narayanganj Was Removed from MRT 2
The earlier proposed stations included places like Jhigatola, Science Lab, New Market, DMCH, Gulistan, Motijheel, Kamalapur, and finally Narayanganj. But the Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) suggested that Narayanganj would now be served by MRT Line 7 instead.
According to DMTCL, the original cost of the 35km project was over Tk 60,837 crore, but the new cost for the 25km line will be decided after all the studies are done.
Planning Commission Gives Priority to MRT 2 Over MRT 5
Interestingly, the Planning Commission has now given more priority to the Metro Line MRT 2 (Gabtoli–Demra) than MRT 5 (Gabtoli–Dasherkandi). MRT 5 was being funded by ADB and South Korea and is still waiting for final approval.
Officials said that Dasherkandi is less economically important than Old Dhaka. So, connecting Old Dhaka will benefit more people due to high population density.
Speed Is Crucial to Keep World Bank Funding
A senior ERD official warned that the $2.5 million grant for Technical Assistance will be lost if the Proforma process is delayed.
“বিশ্বব্যাংক প্রকল্পে বিনিয়োগ করতে চায় বলেই প্রফর্মা তৈরিতে অনুদান দিচ্ছে। তবে নির্ধারিত সময়ের মধ্যে প্রক্রিয়া শেষ না হলে অনুদান চলে যেতে পারে।”
“The World Bank is providing this grant because they want to invest in the project. But if the process is not finished on time, the grant might be lost.”
To prevent this, an inter-ministerial meeting was held at the ERD office, led by Mirana Mahrukh, Acting Wing Chief (World Bank), to speed up the process.
DMTCL Already Submitted Proforma
Md Abdul Baquee Miah, Director of Planning & Development at DMTCL, confirmed that the Proforma has already been sent to the Road Transport and Highways Division. It will then go to the Planning Commission and later to the ERD for final approval.
“বিশ্বব্যাংক আগস্টের মধ্যেই প্রফর্মার অনুমোদন চায়। তা না হলে ২৫ লাখ ডলারের অনুদান পাওয়া যাবে না।”
“The World Bank wants Proforma approval by August. Otherwise, we won’t get the $2.5 million grant.”
He also added that the World Bank is interested in supporting not just the design phase, but the entire investment of MRT Line 2.
Source: TBS
