India's Tata Projects has secured a major contract to build an underground section of the Dhaka Metro in partnership with Japanese companies Nishimatsu Construction and Toda Corporation, The Economic Times reported.

Awarded by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), the contract covers civil construction work on a 5.2-km underground metro section. It also includes architectural finishes and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

The project will feature three underground stations at Khilkhet, Airport Terminal 3 and Airport. It will also include a shaft at the northern end of the line.

Tata Projects confirmed in a statement that the joint venture had secured Contract Package CP06 from DMTCL. The package covers a key section of Dhaka's urban rail network.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is funding the project. It forms part of Bangladesh's efforts to modernise its public transport system, improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in Dhaka, according to The Economic Times.

Rajiv Menon, president and chief growth and strategy officer at Tata Projects, said the contract would strengthen the company's position in the global urban infrastructure market.

"We believe this project enhances our visibility as a reliable partner for governments and international EPC companies seeking strong execution capabilities and engineering expertise," Menon said.

Tata Projects operates as an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company. It specialises in major urban and industrial infrastructure projects. Its portfolio also includes projects in the refinery and petrochemical sectors, according to The Economic Times.