Mariam to operate the first metro train

As the nation’s much-awaited first metro rail is scheduled to start operation partially in the capital (Uttara-Agargaon portion) today, Mariam Afiza will emerge as the first metro train operator of the Mass Rapid Transit line-6.

Six women have been appointed as metro rail operators among others, and Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has already completed their training.

Afiza completed her master’s degree in chemistry from Noakhali Science and Technology University. She was appointed as an operator of metro rail on November 2 last year.

“She received a two-month training at Bangladesh Railway Training Academy in Chattogram’s Halishahar. She returned to Dhaka and completed another four months of training,” said MAN Siddique, managing director of DMTCL.

“Now, she is taking technical and practical training at the metro rail depot in Uttara’s Diabari. She received training round the year.”

Experts of metro rail construction company Mitsubishi-Kawasaki of Japan are also giving training to the operators on technical and practical issues at the metro rail depot at Diabari, he added.

MAN Siddique also told UNB that Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) would operate 50 double-decker buses to transport passengers to and from metro stations.

BRTC signed an agreement with DMTCL in this regard recently.

It will provide bus service from Diabari to Uttara House Building and Motijheel to Agargaon, he added.