Dhaka: Twelve stations in the first phase; passenger service targeted within three years. Officials involved with the new metro rail route said the initial plan has been finalised and field work will begin within the next few months. A separate committee has been formed to monitor progress and will submit a report every month.

Experts say the initiative is timely, but transparency and accountability in implementation are essential. Several similar projects in the past overran their deadlines and budgets, and they urged officials to learn from that experience.

What those involved say

According to sources, a large share of the funding for the new metro rail route will come from this fiscal year's development budget, with the remainder proposed to be allocated in phases.

Meanwhile, an inter-ministerial meeting was held on the issue at noon today. All relevant offices were told to work in coordination, and a decision was taken to launch an online dashboard to track progress.

Urban planners say local government bodies must be made more active to secure long-term benefits. Regular consultation with citizens would also improve the quality of the work, they believe.