The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is set to extend the metro rail’s MRT Line-6 from Uttara to Tongi, incorporating five new stations.
Once this extension is operational, the journey from Tongi to Kamalapur will take just 48 minutes.
DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique announced this development during a branding seminar on Sunday.
The extension project will include new stations at Diabari Bazar, Sonargaon Janpath Road East, Sonargaon Janpath Road West, Tongi Bazar, and Tongi Railway Station. This project will also extend the metro rail route from Motijheel to Kamalapur railway station and from Uttara North station to Tongi railway station.
MAN Siddique stated that the completion of this new route will enable the metro rail to accommodate an additional 500,000 passengers.
Previously, a survey was underway to extend the metro rail from Diabari to Tongi in Uttara. The connection to Tongi railway station and road junction is expected to significantly benefit the region’s residents. Feasibility studies for this extended route are currently in progress, with the tender process set to begin soon after finalizing the design.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader mentioned that once the complete route is finished, 520,000 passengers will travel on the metro rail daily. However, the remaining phases of the project will be completed in stages by 2026, 2028, and 2030.
The introduction of VAT on metro rail fares has been a topic of controversy. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has directed the implementation of a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on passenger services of the metro rail starting July 1. Minister Quader has expressed objections to this decision, arguing that it may damage the metro rail’s reputation. MAN Siddique hopes the government will reconsider the VAT imposition.
