Metro route change not possible, says Obaidul Quader

There is no possibility of realigning the Metrorail project, Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has told Dhaka University students.

The students, on Jan 7, had formed a human chain demanding the project, scheduled to start from March, be redrawn to avoid invading the university space.

Their argument is that the commuter rail project, besides affecting the academic atmosphere, would rob the university of its old-world charm.

“The Metrorail blueprint was drawn up after several rounds of talks with Dhaka University authorities,” Quader said while attending a ‘Family Day’ organised by Dhakeshwari Temple’s Puja Committee on Friday.

Suranjit Sengupta, member of Awami League’s Advisory Council, inaugurated the event.

“Work on the Metrorail begins from March. There is no scope of changing the route now.”

The government has drawn up the final version of the Metrorail construction project from Uttara to Motijheel via the National Museum and Doyel Chattar in the university area.

The geological survey necessary for the project has been completed too.

But the students want the government to keep the university off its metro map. They are particularly worried by the threat it poses to science departments such as gene technology, CSE, microbiology and Centre for Advanced Research.

They also feel the project would impact the landmark Raju Memorial Sculpture.

“Why should the Metrorail be disruptive? Important structures such as the Parliament, Press Club and Dhaka University have been made soundproof,” Quader said.

“I will request the students to stop their agitation.”

On Jan 9, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticised the students for their demand dubbed ‘change Metrorail route, save Dhaka University’.

“A change of plans will destroy the entire project and make common citizens suffer,” she said.

As of now, the alignment map and blueprint for 16 stations have been completed for the much-awaited project. The detailed designing is expected to be done by August this year.

The project, if completed by 2019, will help commuters reach Motijheel from Uttara via Mirpur-Farmgate in less than 40 minutes.

Officials said 24 pairs of trains would be operated on elevated tracks over Dhaka’s busy thoroughfares.

The 16 stations planned are Uttara (North), Uttara (Central), Uttara (South), Pallabi, Mirpur-11, Mirpur-10, Kaziparha, Taltola, Aagargaon, Bijoy Sarani, Farmgate, Sonargaon Hotel, National Museum, Doyel Chattar, Bangabandhu National Stadium and Bangladesh Bank.

According to Minister Quader, a 15-member committee has meanwhile been formed for ensuring road safety in the country.

“Accident experts have been included in this committee for the first time. The committee will advise and support the government.”