For the overall operation of metro rail and services of metro police (security), Tk 1,000 crore has been sought before its launch in December.
The integrated trials of much awaited metro rail is in final stages ahead of its inauguration of commercial journey within a month. The project authority has asked for 350 members of law enforcement personnel for providing security at the project sites. All necessity works are now going on round the clock. In the first journey, between the nine stations, the work on all the lanes is almost complete. Internal work is in progress. Except for the signage at the first three stations, all the others are completed. Ticket booth installation has also completed.
Meanwhile, the trial run of the metro rail with ten set of trains is going day and night. All the final test runs will also take place this month. The authorities concerned have informed that they will complete the final test in 15 days.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director MAN Siddique said that before the start of the project, about 350 members of the separate security force have been requested.
He also said that apart from this, Tk 1000 crore is needed for the operational expenses of one year. An application for that money has also been made to the concerned department of the government.
A part of MRT Line Six, the country's first electric train, will be launched in December.
Earlier on Monday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that metro rail will be launched in the capital after December 16.
With a view to easing the traffic congestion, the metro rail will be able to transport 60,000 people per hour and reduce travel time from Uttara to Motijheel from about two hours to only 40 minutes.
The completion of the MRT line is believed to raise GDP growth by one per cent. At the same time, a huge number of people will be employed.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been constructing the metro rail and providing soft loan for the project.
