The completion of MRT Line 6 marks a significant milestone in Dhaka's transport infrastructure, connecting key areas from Uttara to Motijheel. This development is transforming city life and relieving congestion in one of the world's most densely populated cities.
A Historic Achievement
After years of planning and construction, Dhaka's first metro rail line is now fully operational. The 20.1-kilometer elevated MRT Line 6 connects the northern suburb of Uttara with Motijheel, the central business district, passing through key areas including Mirpur, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Agargaon, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, and Dhaka University.
The project, completed with technical and financial assistance from Japan, represents a major leap forward in the city's transportation capabilities. With a capacity to carry 60,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the metro system significantly reduces travel time across the city.
Impact on Commuters
For daily commuters, the metro has been nothing short of revolutionary. What once took hours by road can now be completed in a fraction of the time. The air-conditioned trains, operating at intervals of just a few minutes during peak hours, provide a comfortable alternative to the city's notoriously congested roads.
"Before the metro, it would take me almost two hours to reach my office in Motijheel from Uttara. Now, I can make the same journey in just 35 minutes. It's not just faster—it's more comfortable, reliable, and stress-free." — Farid Ahmed, Bank Executive
Environmental Benefits
Beyond convenience, the metro system brings significant environmental benefits. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, it helps decrease air pollution and carbon emissions. The electric trains produce no direct emissions, contributing to cleaner air in a city that has struggled with pollution for decades.
According to initial studies, the full operation of Line 6 could reduce carbon emissions by up to 40,000 tons annually. This represents a meaningful step toward improving Dhaka's environmental quality and combating climate change.
Economic Impact
The economic benefits of the metro line extend beyond just saving commuting time. Property values along the route have seen significant increases, and new businesses are emerging near station areas. The improved connectivity is expected to boost productivity across the city.
Moreover, the project has created thousands of jobs, both during construction and for ongoing operations and maintenance. The skills transfer in advanced railway technology has been another benefit, with hundreds of Bangladeshi engineers and technicians receiving specialized training.
Future Expansion
Line 6 is just the beginning of Dhaka's metro network. The master plan includes five additional lines to be completed by 2030, creating a comprehensive network covering most of the metropolitan area. Construction on Line 1, which will include the city's first underground sections, has already begun.
When completed, the full network will transform Dhaka into a city with modern, efficient public transportation comparable to other major Asian capitals. This vision, once considered far-fetched, is now becoming reality.
Challenges and Lessons
Despite its success, the project faced numerous challenges, including land acquisition difficulties, utility relocations, and the disruption caused by construction in densely populated areas. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, delaying the project timeline.
These challenges have provided valuable lessons for future metro lines. Improved planning processes, better stakeholder engagement, and more efficient construction methodologies are already being implemented for subsequent lines.
Conclusion
The full operation of MRT Line 6 represents more than just a new transport option—it symbolizes Dhaka's transformation into a modern metropolis. While challenges remain in addressing the city's transportation needs, the metro provides hope that with proper planning and execution, significant improvements are possible.
As the network expands in the coming years, it will continue to reshape urban life, economic opportunities, and environmental conditions in Bangladesh's capital. The journey has just begun, but the destination—a more livable, accessible, and sustainable Dhaka—is now clearly in sight.