Metro opening to host a gathering
MUNIMA SULTANA | Friday, 23 December 2022
The inauguration of the country's first metro rail on December 28 will see a celebratory public gathering near Diabari of Uttara to make it a memorable moment.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address the gathering at a playground near block C in sector 15 where more than 3,000 invitees are also expected to be present.
Road transport and highways division (RTHD) secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri said the inaugural venue has been chosen on an open space near Diabari station to interest the public.
Earlier, it was planned to host the programme at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
According to source, the RTHD and Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited are organising the inaugural ceremony with the support of other government agencies.
The guests include ministers, members of parliament, high officials, diplomats and civil-society members.
As per the changed plan, the prime minister will address the gathering at 10:00 am on December 28 and unveil a commemorative stamp and notes on the occasion.
She is likely to ride the MRT (mass rapid transit) train from Uttara north station to Agargaon station, the first 11.73 kilometre of the 21.23-km MRT line-06.
Before entering the Diabari station, officials said, the premier will unveil a plaque and plant a tree on the station premises.
She will buy her a ticket from the station and launch the MRT-06 operation through waving a flag before getting into the train.
However, the PM's visit to stations may be changed depending on her wish to enjoy the memorable moment.
The RTHD secretary, however, said only a few guests would be allowed to get on board with her in the train.
He said the train is still planned for operation from 8:00 am on December 29.
"Initially, it will be running for two hours with 10 minutes intervals and stoppage in Pallabi," he told the FE at his office.
However, DMTCL managing director MAN Siddique told the FE over phone that the operating time would gradually be increased to four hours.
The actual time of operation might be changed subject to any change in office hours, he added.