Okay, let’s talk about commodity wild Dhaka, Bangladesh, has a metro system. Yes, that Dhaka — the chaotic, business choked,mega-city of over 20 million people. And not just any metro, but one that looks like it was plucked straight out of Tokyo. How did this be? And why does it feel like Japanese trains took a wrong turn and ended up in one of the world’s most crowded metropolises? Let’s break it down.
Stay, Dhaka Has a Metro?
First out, let’s get this straight Dhaka has a metro. Seattle doesn’t. Houston doesn’t. Denver doesn’t. Indeed Los Angeles, with its sprawling 20 million person metro area, doesn’t have a shelter system as emotional as Dhaka’s. That’s right — a megacity in Bangladesh is out then flexing with a ultramodern, effective metro system while some of the richest metropolises in the world are still stuck in business.
Dhaka’s metro, known as MRT Line 6( Agargaon, Uttara North, Pallabi, Shahbagh, Farmgate, Motijheel, Uttara Center, Bijoy Sarani, Kazipara, Mirpur-10, Dhaka University, Shewrapara), opened in late 2022. The first phase is 11 kilometers long, completely elevated, and runs through the western part of the megacity. It’s got nine stations( with room for unborn expansion), platform screen doors( or gates, technically), and trains that can hit pets of over to 100 km/h. Oh, and it’s formerly moving hundreds of thousands of riders every single day. For environment, that’s further than the entire rail system in Los Angeles.
Why Does It Look So Japanese?
Then’s where it gets interesting. However, Dhaka’s MRT Line 6 will feel eerily familiar, If you’ve ever been on a shelter in Tokyo. The trains are satiny, pristine sword, and have that distinct Japanese design. The stations are clean, ultramodern, and effective. Indeed the platform gates look like they were espoused from a Tokyo metro station.
So, what’s the deal? Well, Japan had a huge hand in erecting this system. Over the once many decades, Japan has been on a charge to export its structure moxie. They fund systems, give consulting, and — surprise, surprise — bear that the trains and systems are made by Japanese companies. In Dhaka’s case, the trains were manufactured by Kawasaki, the same company that builds trains for Tokyo’s metro. The electrical systems, signaling, and indeed some of the design work were also handled by Japanese enterprises.
But stay, There’s More!
Dhaka’s MRT Line 6 is just the morning. The alternate phase is formerly under construction, which will extend the line further into the megacity center and ultimately connect to the main road station. And Dhaka is n’t stopping there — they’re planning a much larger metro system with multiple lines.
This is n’t the only place where Japan is leaving its mark, moreover. Japanese companies are erecting metros in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Manila, Philippines. In Manila, they’re working on the North South Commuter Railway, a massive 150 kilometer design with trains made by J TREC( another Japanese rail mammoth). These trains look like they belong on the JR East lines in Japan, not in Southeast Asia.
Indeed Jakarta, Indonesia, has a Japanese inspired metro. The Jakarta MRT has narrow hand tracks and trains that wouldn’t look out of place in Osaka or Tokyo. It’s satiny, effective, and formerly a hit with locals.
The Good, the Bad, and the precious
Now, don’t get me wrong — I’m a huge addict of these Japanese erected metros. They’re clean, presto, and well designed. But there’s a catch they’re precious *. Like, really precious. Dhaka’s MRT Line 6 bring nearly as important as an underground shelter in some of the most cost-effective countries in the world. That’s a lot of plutocrat for a megacity that’s still developing.
And then’s the bigger issue if the knowledge and moxie don’t get transferred to locals, Dhaka( and other metropolises) could come dependent on Japan for unborn systems. That’s not great for long term growth. The most cost-effective conveyance systems are generally erected by original agencies that have the chops to design, land, and make their own systems.
But let’s be real — metropolises like New York, Toronto, and London are also erecting crazy precious conveyance systems, and they don’t always turn out great. At least Dhaka’s metro is being used like crazy. It’s formerly exceeding ridership prospects, and the megacity is doubling down on expansion.
What’s Next for Dhaka?
Dhaka’s metro is a game changer for the megacity. It’s reducing business, cutting pollution, and giving people a dependable way to get around. And with further lines in the workshop, it’s only going to get better.
But then’s the real question can Dhaka take what Japan has given them and make on it? Can they develop their own moxie and start erecting metros without counting on foreign companies? If they can, they’ll be in a much stronger position to grow their system and keep costs down.
Dhaka’s MRT Line 6 is proof that you don’t need to be a rich country to make world class conveyance. With the right mates and a clear vision, indeed the most chaotic metropolises can transfigure their transportation systems. And while Japan’s involvement comes with some trade offs, there’s no denying that they’ve helped produce commodity truly emotional. So, coming time you’re wedged in business in a megacity that can’t go a metro, just flash back if Dhaka can do it, so can you.