Metro rail built to last a century, then why bearing pads need to be checked every day? DMTCL MD asks
Faruque said the responsibility for the handover process lay with the consultancy firm, adding that inefficiency may have caused shortcomings
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Faruque Ahmed has questioned why the load-bearing pads of the Dhaka metro rail need to be checked every morning despite the high cost of its construction and its projected long lifespan.
Speaking at a press conference today (3 November) at the DMTCL headquarters in Uttara, he said, "Even though the durability of the metro rail is considered 100 years and the load-bearing pads 50 years, why should we be in a state of panic over bearing pads within one year? Why must the bearing pads be checked every morning?"
Faruque said the Line-6 project's construction cost suggests it should be among the best in the world.
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He acknowledged that DMTCL has not yet formally taken over the metro rail work from the contractors.
"Various defects in the metro rail work are being identified even before we have taken over. The consultant was supposed to understand the work first and then hand it over to us. But we still have not received the handover of Line-6 work," he said.
Faruque said the responsibility for the handover process lay with the consultancy firm, adding that inefficiency may have caused shortcomings.
However, he noted that DMTCL still relies on foreign consultants for maintenance due to limited in-house capacity.
"We do not have the capability to take over the metro rail. Hence, we have to rely on those who are skilled in metro rail maintenance," he added.
The DMTCL MD said the company is working to conduct an independent safety assessment of the metro rail system.
"We have recommended this to the advisory council. It might take two to three months to complete, but we will do it as soon as possible," he said.
Possible causes behind bearing pad incident
Referring to the 26 October accident near Farmgate station, where a falling bearing pad killed a pedestrian, the DMTCL MD said four possible causes were being examined — design flaws, low-quality equipment, lack of technical skill, and improper handover.
He said, "After the 2024 accident, we conducted inspections physically and via drones. We checked again two months ago. Our primary job is to ensure safety."
Following the recent incident, DMTCL has been carrying out regular inspections to ensure bearing pads remain secure.
Faruque said that despite the partial handover, the contractor was obligated to address major faults for two to two-and-a-half years.
"We have been repeatedly sending them notices for three months but are not getting a response. There is certainly liability here," he said.
He added that DMTCL is now inspecting bearings on every pier.
"Necessary measures are being taken wherever needed. We do not have our own manpower to finish this quickly, but it is being done by appointing a third party. Our own people are also present there. They are observing 12 to 13 piers every day," he said.
The MD also said those responsible for irregularities in the metro rail project — whether they were involved in the takeover or the handover — should face legal action once the government's investigation concludes.
Faruque said the design of new metro rail lines would be revised if necessary.
He also urged political parties and others not to place posters on the metro pillars, warning that such activities could prevent engineers from detecting structural cracks.
He further said DMTCL is trying to strengthen its technical capacity through "smart financing" and greater involvement of local experts.
"There is a conflict of interest among investors. We want to increase DMTCL's capability by including young blood," he said.
Faruque added that despite a 50-year warranty on the bearing pads, the current situation leaves the company "somewhat helpless" as it continues to rely on external expertise for critical maintenance.
