Bangladesh has already lost six critical years in developing its Dhaka metro-rail system, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has now formally urged the interim government to expedite implementation of the MRT-1 and MRT-5 North lines.
Officials said JICA sent a letter to Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, with copies forwarded to Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the ERD Secretary, and DMTCL Managing Director.
The Japanese agency emphasised that administrative, financial, and technical delays must be resolved to ensure completion of both projects by 2030, as originally planned.
"JICA has reminded the government that the MRT lines are critical, and continued delays risk losing both assured funds and the support of Japanese technical experts," said a senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The MRT-1 line, stretching from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kamalapur Railway Station, is estimated to cost Tk 525.61 billion, with Tk 394.50 billion financed by JICA and the remainder from government resources. The MRT-5 North line, a 20-km route from Hemayetpur to Bhatara, passing through Aminbazar, Gabtoli, Mirpur, Kochukhet, Banani, Gulshan, and Natunbazar, carries an estimated Tk 412.38 billion, with JICA providing the majority of funding.
Although both projects were approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2019, physical construction on MRT-1 formally began in February 2023, while MRT-5 North is yet to start major works, except for preliminary depot land development.
According to DMTCL's August 2025 report, only one of the 12 MRT-1 packages has been awarded for depot construction. The remaining 11 packages, including key civil works, are still under tender evaluation. MRT-5 North has similarly stalled, with 9 of 10 packages pending completion of tendering.
Construction of MRT-1's Purbachal depot, 25 km east of Dhaka city centre, began in early 2023. Meanwhile, MRT-5 North's depot in the western suburbs started in November 2023. Neither line's main tracks have commenced major construction, although both are expected to begin commercial operations by the late 2020s, according to JICA.
Officials cited multiple factors for the prolonged delays Administrative hurdles, including stalled board approvals and high contractor bids requiring renegotiation. Technical complications with MRT-6 and integration with existing infrastructure.
Delayed financing and foreign loan approvals, particularly from JICA. Currency depreciation, increasing overall project costs. Shortage of skilled personnel and inefficient project management.
Despite these challenges, DMTCL Managing Director Faruque Ahmed described MRT-5 North as being "in good shape," while officials confirmed ongoing efforts to expedite project implementation, keeping the 2030 completion target in mind.
Bangladesh successfully completed MRT-6 in 2023, opening the Motijheel-to-Kamalapur segment, but most of Dhaka's metro network remains unfinished. JICA's latest reminder highlights the urgency of fully utilising pledged funds and technical expertise to prevent further delays.
Experts warn that failing to meet deadlines could increase project costs and undermine public confidence in Dhaka's metro expansion. If addressed promptly, both MRT-1 and MRT-5 North are expected to significantly improve urban mobility, connecting key residential and commercial hubs and reducing traffic congestion across the capital.
With careful planning and swift execution, Dhaka could see a transformative shift in public transport by the late 2020s, fulfilling a long-standing vision for a modern, efficient metro system.
