Metro rail trial run begins

The performance test of the country’s first overhead metro train on the viaduct in the capital was carried out from Uttara depot today.

The train, consisting of six cars, started the run and stopped at four stations across an area of more than six kilometers from Uttara North to Pallabi.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the performance test of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6, as the chief guest on Sunday (August 29).

Earlier on Friday, the authorities of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Limited (DMTCL) conducted functional test of metro rail inside the depot at Uttara.

After the performance test, the authority would carry out integrity tests for synchronisation and then move for trial run.

The first-ever metro rail in Bangladesh is going to be completed by December 2022 as work on the project has gained momentum despite disruptions by the coronavirus pandemic.

Four sets of trains -- each comprising six air-conditioned coaches -- have already reached Bangladesh from Japan and five more sets are scheduled to arrive by September next.

There will be a total of 144 coaches for the 24 train sets that will run on a 21km-route from Uttara to Kamalapur Railway Station via Agargaon, Farmgate, Dhaka University campus and Motijheel. There will be a total of 16 stations, according to project documents.