Dhaka Metro Rail Expansion to Boost Connectivity in Northern Suburbs

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a significant expansion of the metro rail network, aiming to connect the capital’s northern suburbs with the city center by 2026. The new 12-kilometer line will run from Uttara to the Gabtoli area, passing through key junctions such as Mirpur and Kallyanpur, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

This extension is part of Bangladesh’s broader effort to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Currently, the metro rail’s first line, which opened in December 2022, serves a 20-kilometer route from Uttara to Motijheel, carrying an average of 300,000 passengers daily. The new line is expected to reduce travel time for commuters from the northern suburbs by up to 50 percent, according to DMTCL Managing Director M.A.N. Siddique.

“We are prioritizing areas with high population density and economic activity,” Siddique said at a press conference. “The Gabtoli route will serve a growing residential and commercial hub, easing pressure on existing roads and improving access to public transport for thousands of daily workers.”

Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with an estimated cost of 150 billion Bangladeshi taka, partially funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a long-term partner in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development. The project will include six new stations, each designed with modern safety features and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Local residents have expressed cautious optimism. Rina Akhter, a schoolteacher who commutes from Uttara to Mirpur daily, said, “The metro has already changed my life—I save two hours each day. But we need more lines to reach other parts of the city. This extension is a good step.”

However, experts warn that the expansion must be accompanied by integrated transport planning to maximize benefits. Dr. Shamsul Alam, a transport analyst at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, noted, “The metro alone cannot solve Dhaka’s traffic problems. We need better bus networks, pedestrian pathways, and last-mile connectivity to make the system truly effective.”

The announcement comes as Bangladesh faces increasing urbanization, with Dhaka’s population expected to exceed 25 million by 2030. The government has also launched several other megaprojects, including the Dhaka Elevated Expressway and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, to address mobility challenges.

On the international front, Bangladesh’s metro rail development has drawn attention from other South Asian nations grappling with similar issues. Indian and Pakistani officials have visited Dhaka to study the project’s financing and operational models, according to DMTCL sources.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Land acquisition for the new line has faced delays due to disputes over compensation, and some environmental groups have raised concerns about construction impacts on wetlands along the proposed route. DMTCL has pledged to conduct thorough environmental assessments and engage with affected communities.

The metro rail expansion underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable urban transport, aligning with the country’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 15 percent by 2030 under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As the project moves forward, it promises to reshape daily life for millions of Bangladeshis, offering a faster, cleaner alternative to the capital’s notorious traffic jams.