NCC moves to build an LRT under PPP sans any study

Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) has taken a move to construct a light rapid transit (LRT) system as a remedy to the city's traffic congestion, although there is no mention of any such service in the Strategic Transport Plan (STP).
Sources said the NCC has already sent a proposal of LRT - a small passenger capacity train-based mass transit service - to Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) and shared the plan in this regard for its approval.
NCC, without conducting any study on viability of the LRT, has proposed to set up the line in two corridors and in elevated way.
The funding arrangement has been proposed under public-private partnership (PPP) initiative. The name of the service has been proposed Bangabandhu LRT.
The 20-year STP, which has been recently revised, has proposed several options for the greater Dhaka, including five MRTs and two BRTs.
Studies under the revised STP (RSTP) have been completed with Japanese experts and the technical support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to suggest different options for the capital's transport sector.
The RSTP has proposed some options to develop linkage with other cities through multimodal transportation system. However, it has not recommended any option of mass transit system for the suburb cities like Narayanganj.
According to the NCC's proposed plan, the 20-km LRT will be constructed in two phases on south-west and north-east directions touching Chashara in both cases.
In the first phase, a five-km small passenger capacity LRT line will be constructed from Shibu Market to Nabinagar Gudarighat, touching Sastapur, DC Office, Chanmari, Army market, Missionpara, Metro Hall and Borof Khan.
Another five-km LRT line will be set up from Panchbati to Nitaiganj through Police Line, Gabtali, Octo Office, Tolaram College, 2nd Rail Gate and Mondolpara.
Besides, depots have been proposed on all ends of the two lines. In the second phase, more new stations would be included.
Meanwhile, DTCA is likely to approve the LRT proposal although it is supposed to follow the RSTP for ensuring coordination in taking transport-related projects in and around the capital, said an official concerned.
He further said the proposal may get approval, as the suburb cities like Narayanganj could not get any traffic solution from the RSTP.
However, transport experts said any big investment should be taken after proper feasibility study for saving possible transport options needed for the city.
As Narayanganj is an important city, considering its industrial growth and port facility, any planning should have projection of future traffic in the city.

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