Bangladesh signs four major contracts for Depot and Civil Works on Dhaka Metro Lines 1 and 5

Dhaka, Bangladesh (Rail & Metro Today): Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has signed four major contract packages for depot development and civil construction works on the country's proposed Metro Line 1 and Line 5 Northern Route. The agreements were signed on October 27, marking progress on two major urban rail projects that have faced delays since their construction programmes were launched in 2023.

The contracts cover depot facilities, elevated guideway structures and metro stations. International and domestic companies from China, South Korea and Bangladesh are participating in the projects, reflecting the cross-border collaboration involved in expanding Dhaka's urban rail infrastructure.

Although construction of both lines was officially launched in 2023, progress has so far been concentrated on depot development, land surveys and preliminary site-clearance activities.

Dhaka Metro Line 1: Depot and Elevated Civil Works Contracts

Dhaka Metro Line 1 is planned as a 31.2-km network comprising an underground route between Kamalapur and the city's airport, alongside a largely elevated branch connecting the capital with Purbachal Terminal in the northeast.

Under Contract Package 02, a Chinese joint venture comprising Sinohydro and SEBCL has been awarded the work for developing facilities at the Pitalganj depot site, located beyond the Purbachal terminus. The package includes depot workshops and an Operations Control Centre (OCC), which will support train maintenance and network operations.

Contract Package 07 has been awarded to a consortium comprising China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC) and Bangladeshi companies MIL and MBEC. The scope includes the construction of approximately 5 km of elevated guideway structures and three stations along the section extending from north of Nadda to east of Mostul.

The signing of these contracts follows further procurement progress for Line 1. On October 1, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved four additional contract packages, which are expected to be awarded in the coming months.

These packages cover underground sections between Rampura and Notun Bazar and between Nadda and the airport, as well as track, electrical systems, signalling, telecommunications and platform screen doors. Six further packages are yet to receive approval.

Line 5 Northern Route: Depot and Elevated Corridor Development

Dhaka Metro Line 5N, also known as the Northern Route, will extend approximately 20 km between Bhatara in the east and Hemayetpur in the western suburbs. The corridor is planned to interchange with Line 1 at Notun Bazar and Line 6 at Mirpur 10. Its implementation has been divided into 10 contract packages.

Contract Package 02 has been awarded to a joint venture between Bangladesh's Concord Pragati Consortium and South Korea's Hanil Engineering and Construction. The package covers civil and building works for the proposed Hemayetpur depot, which will provide essential infrastructure for train stabling, maintenance and operational support.

Contract Package 03 has been awarded to the CREC-MIL-MBEC consortium, comprising Chinese and Bangladeshi companies. The contract includes approximately 6.5 km of elevated structures and five stations, covering sections between Hemayetpur and Amin Bazar in the west and Notun Bazar and Bhatara in the east.

Underground Section Remains to Be Awarded

The Line 5N alignment is planned with elevated sections at both ends and an underground central section between Amin Bazar and Notun Bazar. Contracts for the underground portion have yet to be awarded.

The latest contract signings represent an important step towards advancing Dhaka's long-delayed metro expansion programme. However, significant work remains, particularly in completing procurement for underground sections and systems packages, coordinating land and construction activities, and ensuring timely implementation.

Once completed, Lines 1 and 5 are expected to strengthen connectivity across Dhaka, link major residential and commercial districts with transport hubs, and expand the capacity of the city's public transport system. Their successful delivery will be important in addressing traffic congestion and supporting the long-term development of a more integrated urban mobility network in Bangladesh's capital.