Dhaka Metro Rail
Involve experts on traffic system
Suggests ex-chief engineer of Kolkata Metro
Former chief engineer of Kolkata Metro Ashok Sengupta suggested the government involvement of a group of selected persons who have clear idea about the Dhaka’s roads and its traffic situation for establishment of metro rail in Dhaka city.
“Selecting people is very important. This particular group of people will not only have engineering degrees but enough experiences. They will prepare a comprehensive report on how metro rail will be constructed,” Ashok told a seminar at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital on Saturday.
Explaining numerous hurdles during construction of Kolkata Metro, the India’s first underground railway, he said all the related government agencies should be engaged while the people should be mentally prepared to face difficulties in daily life when construction would begin. Otherwise, deep troubles would come, he warned.
“You must give enough advertisement to the media highlighting good sides of metro rail and the possible sufferings as construction of metro rail would largely hamper the capital’s traffic movement,” he said, adding the implementing agency must be prepared to face public anger and widespread protest during the construction.
He said the World Bank strongly had opposed them while Indian central government had asked to stop construction amid public anger and sufferings in Kolkata. “You will face similar situation. So, prepared for that,” Ashok told the seminar, attended by several dozens of civil engineers.
He also suggested involving a senior influential minister. “The commanding authority of this person would help overcome a difficult situation,” he added.
Ashok, who was born in Barisal and studied at Barisal Zila School, strongly suggested involving experienced lawyers by forming an efficient legal cell to deal with writs against metro rail construction. “We had been able to control traffic as we had included some police officers.”
Giving an example of how they arranged accommodation for workers on the army’s land, Ashok said, “You can’t do anything overnight. You need cooperation of all in the society.”
He said an underground metro railway is also possible in Dhaka, although it is costly, time consuming and cause more difficulties.
Comparing Kolkata and Delhi metro rail, he said construction of elevated metro rail is easy but destroyed the aesthetic beauty of Delhi.
His suggestions came when Bangladesh is trying to construct first metro rail system from Uttara Third Phase to Motijheel with Japanese fund. The project is being delayed due to frequent changes of route and lack of coordination among different government agencies.
Speaking as the chief guest at the seminar, Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury said the proposed metro rail route will run through TSC, Karzon Hall and High Court Building. “Although there is no complaint, we should take aesthetic value in our account,” he said.
-With The Daily Star input