The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has called on the government of Bangladesh to expedite the construction of Metro Rail Line-1 and Metro Rail Line-5 (Northern Route), citing delays due to administrative bottlenecks.
In separate letters addressed to Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Affairs Adviser, and Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, JICA expressed concern over the slow progress of both projects.
Similar letters have also been sent to the Secretary of the Economic Relations Division and the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).
Speaking to media on Sunday afternoon, Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan confirmed receiving the letter from JICA. “Yes, JICA has sent the letter. A delegation also visited Japan regarding this matter, and work is ongoing,” he stated.
According to JICA, the delays in implementation are primarily due to administrative complications, which are affecting the disbursement and timely utilization of the committed funds.
The agency warned that if the allocated loan amounts are not used within the agreed timeframe, it could disrupt JICA’s internal loan management structure.
JICA also noted that Japanese experts are expected to support the implementation of these projects, which are designed to modernize and streamline Dhaka’s urban transport system.
Project Overview
Metro Rail Line-1 will run from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kamalapur Railway Station, with completion targeted by 2030. So far, only land acquisition for the depot has been completed.
Metro Rail Line-5 (Northern Route) will span from Hemayetpur to Vatara, and is scheduled for completion by 2028.
Both projects were approved at ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) meetings in October and December 2019, respectively.
In June 2022, JICA committed around $1 billion for MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) and $540 million for MRT Line-1.
However, due to administrative delays, physical construction has yet to begin on either project.
JICA emphasized that the timely implementation of these mass transit lines is essential to making Dhaka’s transportation system more efficient, comfortable, and time-saving.