The plan to build an underground subway (subway) beneath Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is once again gaining momentum. Although the project was halted after a feasibility study in June 2022, recent discussions have revived interest. The project was initially paused due to high construction costs, capacity concerns, and legal complexities. However, in March of this year, Bangladeshi officials participated in a meeting in Japan to discuss financing options based on government-to-government (G2G) and public-private partnership (PPP) models.

So far, there have been seven rounds of talks between Japan and Bangladesh regarding this project, but Japan has yet to provide a definitive commitment. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division under the Planning Ministry continues to explore potential funding sources.

Background and Feasibility

The project aims to connect the entire city of Dhaka through an underground rail network. The Spanish consultancy firm, TIPSAA, proposed 11 initial routes, later expanded to 12, covering a total length of approximately 258 kilometers.

The feasibility study cost around BDT 32.1 billion (about $321 million). The estimated construction cost per kilometer is $380 million, translating to approximately BDT 463.5 billion.

Phased Implementation Plan

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) plans to implement the project in three phases. The first phase involves constructing four routes covering 105 kilometers, estimated to cost around BDT 500 trillion.

Secretary of the Bridges Division, Mohammad Abdur Rouf, said, “Discussions on financing are ongoing at multiple levels. Although Japan has not responded yet, we remain optimistic. The aim is to complete the first phase by 2030.”

Details of the First Phase Routes

• Route 1: Jhilmil to Tongi (35 km, 24 stations)
• Route 2: Gabtoli to Bholab Union (23 km, 14 stations)
• Route 3: Keraniganj to Sonapur (26 km, 15 stations)
• Route 4: Jahangirnagar University to Narayanganj (45 km, 32 stations)

Costs and Challenges

Initially, the entire network was estimated to cost BDT 8.82 trillion. The first phase alone was projected at BDT 3.54 trillion. However, due to depreciation of the Bangladeshi Taka against the dollar and inflation, costs have increased significantly.

Experts warn that delays in starting construction will further increase expenses. Since the rail will run between 25 to 70 meters underground, construction costs are naturally higher.

Professor Hadiuzzaman from BUET said, “The deeper the tunnel, the higher the costs and longer the construction time.”

Differing Opinions and Concerns

Urban planner Iqbal Habib commented, “We are planning to spend huge sums on underground rail, but with just a fraction of that amount, Dhaka’s transport system could be improved. The city’s master plan does not include this subway project. Without fixing the bus system first, investing in such an expensive, electricity-dependent project raises serious questions.”

Operational Authority

Currently, the Dhaka Metro Rail is operated by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). However, the responsibility for building and operating the subway has been assigned to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA), raising questions about overlapping jurisdictions.

Professor Hadiuzzaman said, “A company structure is essential not only for construction but also for operation. DMTCL could operate it, or a new entity might be formed.”The buried Dhaka subway project is receiving renewed attention. Although there are still significant financial and administrative challenges, successful implementation could dramatically alleviate Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion and public transport problems. With proper planning and coordination, this ambitious vision may soon become a reality.