‘No possibility to change metro rail’s DU route’

Metro Rail Project Director Md Mofazzal Hossain has said the cancellation of the proposed metro rail route, which goes through Dhaka University, is no longer possible.

“There’s no possibility to change the route as It was chalked out after discussions with the Dhaka University authorities,” he said at a programme in Dhaka. “We have conducted a number of surveys in the area [DU campus], so now its not possible to change the entire plan again.”

Referring to the claim that the route will hamper historical sculptures and the educational atmosphere on the campus, he said: “Noise pollution will not be caused by the system as we will use special technology to check it.

“Moreover, we will be careful so that the beauty of any historical or important establishment is not affected.”

DU students have been protesting against the proposed route claiming it will change the face of the campus and disrupt their studies.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last week said the protesters knew little about the metro rail and feared that any change in the plan could jeopardise the whole project.

According to project officials, the metro rail  will transport some 60,000 passengers an hour. It will take less than 40 minutes to travel to Motijheel from Uttara, they said.

Last week, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the project would benefit the university. “The trains will have a stop at the university. It will benefit DU students, teachers, staff and other commuters immensely.”

Source: Dhaka Tribune