Dhaka unveils with Two New Metro Lines and Five Monorail Corridors in New Transport Master Plan

Dhaka, Bangladesh (Metro Rail Today): In a major step toward transforming urban mobility and addressing chronic traffic congestion, the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has presented the city’s Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan (URSTP) on 23 June, outlining an ambitious long-term roadmap for expanding mass transit infrastructure across the Bangladeshi capital.

The updated plan proposes the development of two additional metro corridors — MRT Line 3 and MRT Line 8 — along with five new monorail lines over the next two decades, significantly expanding the scope of Dhaka’s future public transport network.

These additions build upon the earlier Revised Strategic Transport Plan, which had already proposed six metro corridors for the city. The revised blueprint also recommends extending several metro lines that are currently under construction or at the planning stage to improve network reach and commuter accessibility.

Dhaka has already entered the metro era with the successful rollout of MRT Line 6, the city’s first metro corridor. The 20.2-km north–south line connecting Uttara North and Motijheel was commissioned in phases between 2022 and 2023, marking a milestone in Bangladesh’s urban transportation development.

Metro expansion efforts are currently progressing with the construction of MRT Line 5 (Northern Route), which commenced in September 2023. The 20-km predominantly underground corridor is designed to connect Hemayetpur and Vatara through a west–east alignment. In addition, a 17.3-km southern branch of Line 5 is also planned.

Beyond these corridors, Dhaka’s future metro network includes several strategically important projects. MRT Line 1, spanning 31.2 km, is planned as an east–west corridor with connectivity to the city’s international airport. MRT Line 2 will operate along a 35-km north–south alignment, while MRT Line 4, extending 16 km, is also planned to improve east–west mobility.

The introduction of additional metro and monorail corridors reflects Dhaka’s broader objective of creating a diversified and integrated urban transport ecosystem capable of supporting rapid urbanisation and reducing dependence on road-based travel.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“Large metropolitan regions increasingly require integrated multimodal transit systems to support sustainable growth. Dhaka’s updated transport strategy reflects a long-term commitment toward expanding high-capacity public transportation and creating a more connected, efficient and commuter-focused urban mobility ecosystem.”

With Dhaka continuing to rank among the world’s most congested cities, the URSTP is expected to become a cornerstone for improving mobility, reducing travel times and strengthening economic productivity through modern public transport infrastructure.