The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A 52-km underground train service could be introduced on six routes in the city at a cost of Tk 6,500 crore. A private organisation came up with the proposal at a meeting at Communications Ministry today (Wednesday).

The routes are Sayedabad-Gabtoli (17 kms), Tongi Bridge-Mohakhali (13.5 kms), Pallabi-Parliament (6.5 kms), Shaymoli-Shahbagh (7 kms), Sayedabad-Bangla Motor (6 kms) and Gulistan-Sadarghat (2 kms).

Communications Adviser Major General (retd) MA Matin, Secretary Dr Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman and Chief Engineer of Roads and Highways Department M Mahbubur Rahman were present at the meeting. The Communications Adviser said the government is considering introducing underground train services in the city to ease over-ground traffic jams.

Representatives of the organisation, which placed the proposal, told the meeting that underground train fare for the routes could be fixed at Tk 5 to Tk 25.

Adviser MA Matin said the government would implement the proposed underground train project and two-storied roads on the basis of expert opinions and its own policy.

An expert commitee will be formed to determine whether implementation of the underground train project would be feasible, he said.