Govt takes first step towards monorail

• 5 proposed corridors span around 79.4km
• Monorail planned as feeder service for metro rail
• Buet to recommend preferred route within 3 months
• Target to launch at least one route by Dec 2029

The government has taken its first major step towards introducing a monorail system in Dhaka, primarily as a feeder service to improve last-mile connectivity for metro rail passengers.

The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) is set to appoint the Bureau of Research, Testing and Consultation of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology to conduct a pre-feasibility study.

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DTCA and Buet are scheduled to sign an agreement today for the Tk 7.5 crore study.

It will assess five proposed corridors as well as other potential routes across the Dhaka metropolitan region, with two corridors expected to be identified as priorities.

Under the Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan, five monorail corridors spanning around 79.4 kilometres have been proposed. A preferred corridor is expected to be selected within three months, while the full study is scheduled to be completed within six months.

The proposed corridors are: Airport-Bashundhara via Purbachal and Jolshiri (25.2km); Middle Badda-Bhulta (14.6km); Rampura-Demra (10.3km); Mohammadpur-Postogola (11.7km); and Airport-Savar via Uttara Centre (17.6km).

The government-funded study will assess route alignments, possible station and depot locations, passenger demand, technical and structural suitability, economic viability, and environmental and social acceptability.

It will also examine integration with existing and planned metro rail and other public transport networks, particularly to provide last-mile connectivity for MRT passengers.

Monorails generally operate on elevated structures, and DTCA plans to examine whether they could provide public transport links in densely populated parts of Dhaka where road space is limited and heavier MRT infrastructure faces constraints.

Construction costs, passenger capacity, operating expenses, and economic and social viability will depend on the study findings.

DTCA Additional Executive Director Mohammad Mosiur Rahman said, “We aim to launch at least one monorail route by December 2029.”

He said five routes were initially considered, while 14 routes were subsequently being examined following suggestions from BUET, from which a feasible option would be selected based on the potential benefits and economic viability.

The government’s move follows its electoral pledge to implement monorail services in Dhaka.