Cracks found at multiple Dhaka metro stations after quake despite DMTCL safety assurances

Several metro rail stations in Dhaka have reportedly developed cracks following yesterda's earthquake.

During visits to multiple locations today (22 November), cracks were found on the floor of electrical substation rooms at Karwan Bazar and Bijoy Sarani stations. The entrance wall of the Bijoy Sarani substation also showed visible damage. 

At Pallabi, cracks appeared on the floor of the electrical substation room and inside the station control room.

Further inquiries revealed cracks on the floor of the electrical substation at Mirpur-11, on several interior tiles at Mirpur-10 station, and on the inner wall of the passenger lift core at Farmgate station.

Inside Pallabi station's control room, cracks were visible on the wall. 

At Karwan Bazar station, the electrical substation room remained closed around 8pm, though a staff member confirmed the presence of cracks and said many workers were frightened.

Speaking to The Business Standard earlier in the day, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Director (Planning and Development) Md Abdul Baqi Mia said the metro rail's infrastructure is designed to endure strong tremors.

"Our infrastructure can withstand earthquakes of magnitude 7. So, there is no risk of damage from yesterday's quake," he said.

"You are the first to inform me about cracks at three stations. We are arranging to send teams immediately to inspect the situation on site."

Mohammad Shahjahan, general manager (development) of DMTCL, told The Business Standard, "We have found cracks in non-structural installations at five metro stations. These are very minimal. There is no possibility of any issue with the main structure of the metro rail. We always prioritise passengers, so if there had been any major problem, metro operations would have been suspended.

"Our expert team has visited the stations and found no major issues. There is no problem with the piers, pads, or the rail line. The main structure of the metro rail is resistant to earthquakes of up to magnitude 7.5."

He added, "The crack on the floor of our Karwan Bazar station is not a major issue. It is outside the main structure and is non-structural. It is similar to the types of cracks that appear in plaster or masonry. Similar minor cracks have appeared in a few stations."