Order issued to remove cable TV-internet lines over metro rail

Dhaka Metro Rail authorities have ordered removal of cable TV lines (dish lines) and internet connections of 51 buildings laid over MRT line 6 of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

A letter was sent to the Presidents and Secretaries of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh and Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh on Thursday.

The letter signed by Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-6) Project Director Md Aftabuddin Talukdar stated: "MRT Line 6 operated under DMTCL is now running commercially from 7:10am to 10:14pm as per the schedule every day except Friday. The people of Dhaka are enjoying the benefits of safe, comfortable and short metro rail travel. Now an average of 290,000 passengers are traveling by metro train every day."

"Cable TV line (dish line), Internet cable line etc. has been provided to various buildings over the viaduct and overhead catenary system of the alignment of this route. As per preliminary survey, around 51 buildings are currently provided with such connections. There is a possibility of a cable TV cable snapping at any moment and falling on the high capacity metro rail viaduct and overhead catenary system causing a fatal accident. The danger of such accidents is more during the ongoing monsoon season," it added.

The letter specifically requested to take necessary measures to remove cable TV lines (dish lines), internet cables etc. from various buildings passing over the viaduct and overhead catenary system within the next 24 hours.

Otherwise, it is also informed that DMTCL will take legal action.