DHAKA: The test run of Bangladesh’s first-ever metro train service on the viaduct in the capital has commenced. The metro rail in capital Dhaka made a trial run on a section of the 20.1-km project, known as Mass Rapid Transit Line-6 (MRT 6).

The test run was flagged off on Sunday by Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader at its depot in Dhaka according to reports. A train, consisting of six carriages, made the trip from its depot and back after crossing three stations on its way without any passengers.

The minister of Bangladesh said that after a total of 14 months of performance test – which includes five months of trial run – the commercial operation of metro rail in Dhaka will begin by the end of 2022. According to the Minister, if all trials and inspection go well, the train will be launched for public use next year when the country's two more mega infrastructure projects including Padma Bridge and Karnaphuli river Tunnel will also be inaugurated.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), a state-owned enterprise, is constructing the 20.1-km metro rail line, divided into eight packages, in collaboration with companies from China, Japan and other countries. Once the project is implemented, a train with six air-conditioned spacious coaches will operate every four minute and will carry some 60,000 passengers each hour.

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