Zhang Lu, Regional Manager and Senior Engineer at China’s state-owned Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute, has emphasised the need to establish a robust infrastructure inspection system to ensure safety for both the public and metro installations.

“Metro safety constitutes a critical element of urban public security, with direct implications for the safety of citizens and property. Therefore, a robust system for infrastructure inspection, safety protection, and risk assessment is essential,” he said.

The Chinese expert, who spoke to a Daily Sun reporter visiting the country, said that Guangzhou Metro, which operates nearly 800 kilometres of lines and serves over 10 million passengers daily, has developed extensive expertise in safety management.

Over nearly three decades of operation, the network has established a comprehensive safety protection framework integrating institutional mechanisms, technological solutions, and emergency preparedness, he explained.       

Zhang Lu said that the Guangzhou model could serve as a valuable reference for Dhaka Metro in developing its own safety protocols and enhancing operational safety, given the similar geographical and climatic conditions shared by the two regions.

Speaking about construction site safety, he said, “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a viaduct or a tunnel. With a viaduct, you face issues such as cranes collapsing or objects falling and hitting vehicles, while underground construction poses drainage problems.”

“We have what we call a ‘railway production zone’ to conduct daily inspections and ensure railway safety. We use manual or visual inspections as well as cutting-edge technologies like drones and cameras to carry out inspections and maintain safety,” he added.