Chronic delays plague Bangladesh’s MRT-1 metro project, forcing a return of Tk2,460 crore in unutilized funds to Japanese loans due to land acquisition and tender approval failures. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) faces criticism for sending back foreign funds amid fiscal stress.
With only 3.47% construction progress in four years and approval delays for procurement packages, achieving the 2026 deadline seems impossible. The MRT Line-1 project’s delay impacts traffic congestion alleviation goals, putting into question the government’s ability to implement key infrastructure projects. Concerns rise over economic challenges, including revenue shortfall, depleting reserves, and exchange rate volatility, exacerbating the country’s economic woes.