Metro Rail Safety Boosted with Brackets, Crack Gauges

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is advancing a range of measures 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. Ten steel brackets have already been installed 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 10 August, Monday night. The progress of the measures was reviewed at the sixth meeting of the committee responsible for implementing the Safety Audit Committee's recommendations.

According to the statement, installation of 10 steel brackets has been completed on piers 423, 442, 446 and 448, which were given priority under the High Court's directives. Installation of the 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, two of which have already been collected.

DMTCL is taking steps to engage Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) as a structural consultant to develop a permanent solution to cracks in pier heads and box girders. A total of 102 crack gauges are planned for installation at different points of the structure. Three have already been procured, while procurement of the remaining gauges is underway.

An engineering team has also 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.

Meanwhile, waterproofing work at all stations and power substations is progressing rapidly, DMTCL said. A live test of a dedicated emergency service line for coordination with control rooms during power outages has also been completed successfully.

The agency said preparatory activities have also begun to implement the medium-term recommendations of the Safety Audit Committee alongside immediate measures. DMTCL expects that proper implementation of court directives and expert recommendations will further strengthen the structural and operational safety of MRT Line-6.
//DBTech/DPO/MSI//