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A range of measures is being implemented to strengthen the structural and operational safety of MRT Line-6, including the installation of steel brackets, bearing pads and crack gauges in line with recommendations of the Safety Audit Committee.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has already installed 10 steel brackets on four piers identified as priorities under directions from the High Court.
DMTCL’s Public Relations Department disclosed the information in a statement issued on Monday night.
The progress of the safety measures was reviewed at the sixth meeting of the committee formed to implement the recommendations of the Safety Audit Committee.
According to the statement, installation of 10 steel brackets has been completed on piers 423, 442, 446 and 448, which were prioritised under the High Court’s directives.
Installation of a bearing pad on pier 448 has also been completed. Five bearing pads currently in stock are being replaced on an urgent basis, while procurement of 22 additional bearing pads is underway.
To monitor structural settlement, DMTCL plans to install settlement markers on the heads of 27 piers. Five markers have already been procured.
The agency also plans to install 27 crack gauges at different points of the structure, with two already collected. In addition, a total of 102 crack gauges are planned for installation at various locations. Three have already been procured, while procurement of the remaining gauges is underway.
DMTCL is also taking steps to engage Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) as a structural consultant to develop a permanent solution to cracks found in pier heads and box girders.
Meanwhile, an engineering team has investigated sparking problems in the metro rail’s Overhead Catenary System (OCS) and electrical system. Design modifications have begun to redefine the Insulated Overlap (IOL) as part of efforts to address the issue.
Waterproofing work at all stations and power substations is also progressing rapidly, the statement said.
A live test of a dedicated emergency service line designed to facilitate coordination with control rooms during power outages has been completed successfully.
DMTCL said preparatory activities have also begun to implement the medium-term recommendations of the Safety Audit Committee alongside the immediate measures.
The agency expects that proper implementation of the High Court’s directives and recommendations from experts will further strengthen the structural and operational safety of MRT Line-6.