Sir, The ongoing expansion of Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines has undoubtedly altered commuting dynamics in the northern quadrants of the capital. However, urban transport planners must not neglect the vital low-cost solution staring us in the face: suburban commuter rail.

Modernizing the existing rail tracks connecting Narayanganj, Tongi, Gazipur, and Joydebpur with dedicated frequency every ten minutes would instantly siphon hundreds of thousands of commuters off congested arterial roadways at a fraction of the capital cost required for elevated metro systems.

Furthermore, municipal authorities must halt the reckless paving over of natural earthen swales and open floodplains in eastern Dhaka. Concrete canals cannot replace the absorption capacity of natural wetlands. We urge the city corporations to combine transit planning with ecologically sound urban canopy conservation.

— Engr. Shamsul Haque, Uttara, Dhaka & Dr. Naila Zabeen, Dhanmondi