Option for right MRT route

It is understandable why the five-year plan has been put on hold. It's full of projects whose budget allocations are unrealistic. In line with that the Planning Commission has decided to forgo the proposed MRT-05 (south) metro line. As pointed out in a report in The Financial Express this week, MRT-05 has been shelved "mainly due to its bloated costs and non-rationalisation in route selection". This makes sense, as does the decision to put focus on the MRT-02 route, as that line promises a greater rate of return, is considered totally viable based on the population coverage, and it connects the old part of Dhaka city to the commercial hub all the way to Dhanmondi.

Return on investment is a major consideration for international contractors. The first metro rail has broken all envisaged predictions on commuter traffic as the number of daily users has reached around 0.3 million. The MRT-02 line should have a similar traffic, but more importantly will have a big impact on reduction in commute times for Dhaka residents. Getting back to the issue of the cancelled route, it is quite amazing to learn that a preposterous Tk 54,619 billion had been earmarked for Dhaka Mass Transport Company Limited (DMTCL) to construct the Gabtoli-Dasherkandi route.

Audits are now on to scrutnise these grandiose projects that had been undertaken by the Commissions responsible. It is obvious, even without the full audit, that funds had been earmarked above-and-beyond what was needed for a less important infrastructure project. The reasons are obvious but one must wait for the audit to be completed prior to passing judgement. An ulterior motive worked behind priortising a less important route. Hence, it makes sense that MRT-02 line be constructed on a priority basis due to its higher rate of return, viability and coverage of population. This route will help connect the busy Dhanmondi, old part of Dhaka city and create opportunities for population in its south-west.

Regarding the cancelled MRT line, an official of the commission explained: "We've reviewed the gigantic MRT-05 south project. Since MRT-05 north line construction is going on, we now want to prioritise MRT-02, which may give more financial and economic returns." "So, we'll suggest that the DMTCL go with MRT-02 first and MRT-05 second when the economy will be revived and foreign-exchange reserve stable." This makes perfect sense. Although some portions of MRT-05 line construction have commenced, it is better to stop work now and concentrate resources on MRT-02 because there, it is clear what and how the returns will come. The cancelled MRT line can always be revived when national fortunes make a turnaround.

What is amply clear from this is that there should be no hurry in continuing (or embarking on) major infrastructure projects until audits have been completed. The economy is already reeling from the pressure of repayment of billions of dollars foreign credit and also laundering of billions more. That is why even with the MRT-02, extra care must be taken to ensure that graft doesn't get a foothold in the financial planning. This is going to be a test case for the new government in terms of defining how public corruption should be handled. The challenge here is not merely of learning a lesson from past graft, but also putting into place procedures and checks and balances for elimination of corruption in public procurement and awarding of contracts for projects like the MRT.

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