Japanese private sector has shown interest to help Bangladesh construct an underground railway network in the capital to ease traffic congestion.

The interest was shown when a four-member delegation led by Koji Nojima, chairman of Japan-Bangladesh Joint Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation, yesterday called on Communication Minister Nazmul Huda.

Nojima also assured the minister of the Japanese private sector help for building an underground

railway.

The delegation also expressed interest in conducting a feasibility study to this effect and forming a consortium to finance the project.

Nojima told the minister that the economic assistance for the project would be available after completion of the feasibility study, meeting sources said.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Matshuhiro Horiguchi and Communication Secretary Shafiqul Islam, among others, were present at the meeting.

The Japanese delegation said the underground metro rail service

is necessary for exploring the economic and commercial opportunities in Dhaka city.

Huda told the delegation that the government wants to introduce the underground rail service connecting Gazipur, Narsingdi, Munshiganj and Manikganj with Dhaka.

Meeting sources said the delegation also discussed the progress about construction of Padma Bridge, introduction of electric train service between Dhaka and Chittagong, sky train service and circular road in Dhaka.