Dhaka, Feb. 12 -- The planning commission is under pressure to approve the MRT-5 southern line project, although it was sent back more than a month ago for bloated costs and having less priority than another MRT line, officials said on Wednesday.

The commission is required to arrange the project evaluation committee (PEC) meeting on Monday next week, aimed at endorsing the project as the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges sought its approval again, they said.

The proposed 17.20km project was undertaken by the ousted Sheikh Hasina government at a cost of Tk 546.19 billion ($5.1 billion), which is one of the costliest projects in Asia, analysts say.

Although Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is now constructing the MRT-5 nor...