MRT Line-1: Subterranean excavation to begin next year

The country’s first underground metro rail project, MRT Line-1, has been underway since February 2023, with depot construction in progress. However, actual tunnelling for the subway route is yet to begin. Utility relocation along the proposed underground path has started, and tunnelling work is expected to commence by late 2025 once the tender process is completed by March next year, said officials of the project.

The 31.24 km MRT Line-1 comprises two sections – the Airport Route (underground), stretching from the Airport to Kamalapur, and the Purbachal Route (elevated), running from Natun Bazar to Pitalganj Depot.

Project engineers confirmed that tunnelling will initially focus on the segment from Natun Bazar to Narda under Package-5. The contractor, Kajima Corporation, is set to take over the site in March 2025, beginning construction of station yards and diaphragm walls. Tunnel boring machine (TBM) setup will follow, requiring six months for installation. Excavation is projected to start in November or December 2025, subject to minor delays.

MRT Line-1 Project Director Md Abul Kashem Bhuiyan expressed optimism, saying, “We hope to start major construction by next year. Once the contractor is appointed by March, initial construction work will commence, leading to TBM excavation by late 2025.”

Tender progress across packages

The entire project is divided into 12 packages, covering depot construction, underground tunnelling, elevated sections and electrical and mechanical systems.

Progress across the packages varies. For example, depot landfilling at Pitalganj under Package-1 will conclude in December 2023, ahead of schedule. Construction of depot buildings under Package-2 is in its final tendering stage, with contractors expected to be appointed by April 2025.

Work on the Kamalapur-Rampura section (Package-3) and the Rampura-Natun Bazar section (Package-4) is expected to begin between December 2024 and January 2025. For Packages 5 and 6, contractors will take over in March and June 2025, respectively.

Under Packages 7 and 8 (Elevated), spanning 300 Feet Road to Balurghat Bridge (Package-7) and Balurghat to the depot (Package-8), both are in the tendering phase, with work expected to commence in late 2025.

Packages 9 to 12 (Electrical and Mechanical) will proceed after civil structures are completed.

Utility relocation and traffic challenges

Utility relocation for the underground route began in May 2023 along Pragati Sarani, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The road near Jamuna Future Park remains partially blocked, causing extended travel times and severe congestion.

Officials estimate the utility relocation in Pragati Sarani will conclude by January 2025, but similar challenges are anticipated as relocation progresses along the route. To alleviate commuter issues, a bypass route is being planned, connecting Kuril, 300 Feet Road, Bashundhara and Madani Avenue to Rampura.

Cost and timeline extensions

The project, initially estimated at Tk52,561.43 crore, faces increased costs due to rising dollar exchange rates, material prices and a 25% risk factor for underground metro construction in a densely populated area like Dhaka.

Project engineers said that the dollar rate has surged from Tk80 during project approval to Tk110, causing a 30-40% cost escalation. A comprehensive cost review will follow the completion of all tenders.

Although the official deadline for project completion is December 2026, officials admit delays are inevitable. Factors such as the Holey Artisan incident, COVID-19 pandemic, Ukraine-Russia war and political instability have contributed to setbacks.

Final timelines for completion will depend on the progress of all 12 packages, officials said.