MRT-5 project goes to ECNEC amid queries

The proposed Dhaka Metro Rail Line-5 (Southern Route) project, estimated to cost Tk45,503.77 crore, will be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) tomorrow amid questions over the selection process for its construction and supervision consultant.

Allegations have been raised that efforts were made to favour a particular company in the consultancy selection process.

The ECNEC will consider 15 development projects at its third meeting of the current fiscal year at 10am at the Cabinet Room of the Bangladesh Secretariat, with Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairman Tarique Rahman in the chair, according to a Planning Division notice.

The MRT Line-5 Southern Route is the largest project on the agenda.

The allegations were raised by a local representative of an international company, who claimed that efforts were being made to award the consultancy contract to a company allegedly linked to a network formed during the previous Awami League government.

Planning Secretary SM Shakil Akter said his office had received the complaint but that it could not be concluded that corruption had taken place as the consultant had not yet been appointed.

“As the consultant has not yet been appointed, it cannot be said that corruption has taken place,” he said, adding that the project was therefore being placed before ECNEC and the final decision rested with the committee.

The project cost has been reduced by more than Tk9,100 crore following several reviews by the Planning Commission. 

Initially estimated at Tk54,618.96 crore, the cost was revised to Tk47,721.44 crore and then Tk47,644.81 crore. A review on 16 July cut another Tk2,141.04 crore, bringing the latest estimate to Tk45,503.77 crore.

The government will provide Tk15,197.66 crore, while Tk30,306.10 crore will come as project loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and South Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

The 17.4-kilometre route will connect Gabtoli in the west with Dasherkandi in the east, passing through Technical, Kallyanpur, Shyamoli, College Gate, Asad Gate, Sukrabad, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjheel, Tejgaon, Aftab Nagar and Nasirabad.

It will comprise elevated and underground sections and connect with MRT Line-5 Northern Route and MRT Line-1, allowing passenger interchange between metro corridors. The project will be implemented by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL) under the Road Transport and Highways Division from September 2026 to August 2033.

The Planning Commission has recommended approval, saying the project will improve connectivity, expand environment-friendly public transport and help ease traffic congestion.

Mir Sabbir Hossain, Bangladesh representative of an international company, lodged the complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office on 1 July.

According to the complaint, an evaluation committee was allegedly formed under the influence of senior officials, politicians and an Indian agent close to the then Awami League government. It also alleged that the evaluation criteria were designed to favour certain companies.

An Expression of Interest (EoI) was invited on 16 July 2024, for appointing the construction and supervision consultant. After several extensions, six companies were shortlisted. They were invited to submit proposals on 28 July 2025, with 31 August set as the deadline.

The complainant alleged that the push to complete the consultancy process before project approval could be part of a wider scheme.

Project Director Brig Gen (retd) Mohammad Abdul Wahab said the consultant selection process had not been finalised and was still at an early stage.

“Initially, 12 firms participated, six were shortlisted and four have so far submitted bids,” he told the Daily Sun, adding that the evaluation could take around six months. He said the process was initiated early under government rules to avoid delays in project implementation and denied allegations of irregularities or corruption.

“The process is being conducted normally in accordance with government procedures. There is no irregularity here,” he said, adding that the shortlisted firms were reputable and internationally recognised.

The largest allocation of Tk17,737.43 crore is for main-line civil and station works and depot civil and building works.

Electrical and mechanical works and railway systems will cost Tk13,258.49 crore, while Tk4,821.24 crore will be spent on rolling stock and depot equipment. Land acquisition, reacquisition and rehabilitation will require Tk4,979.33 crore.

A feasibility study completed in October 2022 under an ADB-funded technical assistance programme found the project technically, economically and environmentally feasible. Its economic analysis showed a net present value of Tk35,161 crore, a benefit-cost ratio of 2.41 and an internal rate of return of 18.8%.

Besides the MRT project, ECNEC will consider the third-phase upgrading of district highways under the Rajshahi and Chattogram road zones.