Dhaka, Sep 11 (V7N): The metro rail stations at Kazipara and Mirpur-10, which were vandalized during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July, are set to reopen soon, according to Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). Preparations to reopen Kazipara station are already underway, and the Mirpur-10 station will follow.

DMTCL sources indicate that Kazipara station could resume operations by mid-September or October, while Mirpur-10 station will take a bit longer due to more extensive damage.

Both stations were targeted and damaged during the movement, with initial government estimates suggesting it would take a year to repair them. Negative propaganda further complicated the situation, leading to a suspension of metro rail services on July 18. Although services resumed on August 25, Kazipara and Mirpur-10 stations remained closed.

DMTCL officials have explained that Kazipara station sustained less damage compared to Mirpur-10. One side of Kazipara station remains functional, while Mirpur-10 station was completely destroyed. The operating company plans to use spare parts from other stations to expedite repairs at Kazipara, and consulting firms are being enlisted to accelerate the reopening of Mirpur-10.

The proprietary equipment used in the stations, especially the fare collection system, suffered the most damage. However, DMTCL has clarified that it is not necessary to purchase entirely new systems, as only specific damaged parts need replacement. Parts will be sourced from stations with lower passenger traffic to ensure both stations are back in service as soon as possible.

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