Metro Rail
Dhaka Metro Rail operations to continue past 9 pm from today
In a significant move to enhance late-night transportation options, the Dhaka Metro Rail has announced an extension of its operating hours. Starting today (March 27, 2024), the service will run an additional hour past its previous closing time, now concluding at 9:40 pm.
This decision, as explained by MAN Siddique, the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), is a direct response to the increasing public demand for extended metro service hours. The announcement was made on March 25, marking a pivotal change in the metro's schedule to accommodate the needs of late-evening commuters.
Dhaka Metro Rail service hours being extended from March 27
Under the new timetable, the final train from the Motijheel station is scheduled to leave at 9:40 pm, while the last departure from the Uttara terminal will be at 9:20 pm. This adjustment will see the introduction of trains departing every 12 minutes during the newly added service hour, integrating an additional 10 trains into the daily rotation.
With this extension, the total number of daily metro trips will rise from 184 to 194, reflecting the DMTCL's commitment to improving public transportation accessibility and convenience.
Metro rail operating hours to be extended by one hour from 16th Ramadan
Prior to this change, Dhaka Metro Rail's operation hours spanned from 7 am to 8:40 pm. The service frequency included trains running every 8 minutes during peak hours—from 7 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 8 pm—and every 12 minutes during off-peak periods, between 11 am and 2:30 pm. This schedule adjustment is anticipated to significantly benefit the city's metro users by providing more flexible travel options during the evening.
Dhaka Metro Rail service hours being extended from March 27
In a move to cater to the increasing demand for late-night transportation, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced the extension of metro rail service hours beyond 9 pm, starting from Wednesday, March 27.
During a press briefing scheduled for tomorrow, the Managing Director of DMTCL, M. A. N Siddique, will provide detailed information regarding this significant service extension.
According to sources from DMTCL, the last train from Motijheel will now depart at 9:40 pm, and from Uttara end at 9:20 pm. This extension will introduce trains running every 12 minutes during the additional service hours, adding 10 more trains to the current schedule.
Read more: Metro rail operating hours to be extended by one hour from 16th Ramadan
Consequently, the total number of daily trips will increase from 184 to 194.
Currently, the Dhaka metro rail operates from 7 am to 8:40 pm, with trains running every 8 minutes during peak hours (7 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 8 pm) and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours (11 am to 2:30 pm).
This expansion of metro rail service is aimed at enhancing the commuting experience for Dhaka's residents, providing a more flexible and accessible transportation option during the evening hours.
Read more: HC orders probe into rent of Metro rail canteen
Metro rail operating hours to be extended by one hour from 16th Ramadan
The operating hours of metro rail will be extended by one hour in both directions during the last 15 days of the month of Ramadan, said MN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).
According to the new schedule, the last train from Motijheel will leave the station around 9:40 pm while it will from Uttara station at 9:20 pm, he said while speaking at a press conference at Iskatan.
However, the schedule of the metro rail will remain unchanged in the first 15 days of the month of Ramadan.
As Dhaka embraces Metro Rail efficiency, bus services on Mirpur-Motijheel route suffer a blow
Meanwhile, commuters can carry 250ml of water bottles before and after Iftar on metro rail but in that case, the water bottle should be dumped into designated bins, he said.
The Iftar timing will be screened at the LED screen inside and outside the train.
Metro rail increases trips, commuters elated
Responding to a question about any decision to increase coaches for women, the managing director of DMTCL, said currently, six coaches are running every day and it is difficult to add another coach for women.
As Dhaka embraces Metro Rail efficiency, bus services on Mirpur-Motijheel route suffer a blow
Dhaka’s ambitious Metro Rail service, connecting Uttara to Motijheel, has significantly impacted the traditional public transport ecosystem, especially affecting bus services on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route. The introduction of this modern transit option has led to a sharp decline in bus ridership, with operators reporting a 30-40% reduction in the number of buses on this route.
Transport proprietors are bracing for a further decline in bus numbers as the warmer months approach, predicting that the allure of the metro’s air-conditioned comfort will draw even more commuters away from buses. The diminished appeal of buses, once a staple for Dhaka’s commuters, is particularly noticeable during peak metro operational hours, despite an observable decrease in traffic congestion.
Read more: Quader provides update on Metro Rail extension till Tongi
The potential extension of metro rail service hours beyond the current 7:10 am to 8:40 pm timeframe threatens to exacerbate the financial strain on bus operations, prompting owners to consider rerouting their fleets or selling them off. “From a daily tally of 500-600 buses, we’ve plummeted to just 300-400 buses on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route,” stated Md Shahjahan, Managing Director of Shikhor Paribahan, highlighting the scale of the downturn.
Metro rail increases trips, commuters elated
Daily commuters including service holders and traders have expressed joy as the Metro Rail authorities are operating trains every 8 minutes during peak hours from Saturday (February 17, 2024).
The number of metro rail trips increased to 26 and as a result a total of 178 trains will run each day instead of 152, said MN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).
About the new timings, Siddque said, three trains will run from Uttara between 7:10 am to 7:30 am and train will run from 7:31am to 11:48 am every 8 minutes during peak hours. After that, train will run from 11:49am to 3:12pm (off peak hours) every12 minutes as before and every 8 minutes from 3:13pm to 8:00 pm (peak hours), he added.
Read: Crane collapse on rail tracks from Elevated Expressway disrupts train movement
Nazrul Isalm, a regular commuter of the Metro Rail at Mirpur-11 Rail Station, said the pressure of commuters is comparatively less due to the new schedule and it’s a relief for people.
Hossain, another commuter at the same station, said “It will be better if the timing can be reduced to 3.5 minutes.”
Except Friday, now Metro Rail will run from Uttara-Motijheel from 7:10 am to 8:40 pm while the MRT and Rapid Pass users can travel by metro rail that leaves Motijheel station at 8 pm.
At present, the trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours. The new timings are applicable for peak hours only, said MN Siddique.
He said that earlier the number of trains' trips were 152 every day, now it has been increased to 178.
Siddique said that currently metro trains carry about 2.70 lakh passengers on an average every day.
Read: Metro Rail to run after every 8 minutes during peak hours from Saturday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the first metro rail in Dhaka on December 28, 2022. At that time the metro train was running from Uttara to Agargaon. Later the prime minister inaugurated the Agargaon to Motijheel section of the Metro Rail on November 4 last year. The next day, on November 5, metro rail service started from Uttara to Motijheel.
Quader provides update on Metro Rail extension till Tongi
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said a survey is underway for extension of Dhaka Metro Rail from Uttara to Tongi.
He said this after inaugurating the Bangabandhu Corner at the DMTCL Building in Uttara’s Diabari.
The minister said the construction work of metro rail’s Motijheel to Kamalapur part will be completed by June next year.
With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone
A decision will be taken after discussion on extending service hours of metro rail on different days including Ijtema and Boi Mela, he said.
“From today, metro rail started operating from Uttara North to Motijheel from 7:10 am every day except Friday and the last train from Motijheel will leave for Uttara North at 8:40 pm,” he said.
The headway during peak hours will be 10 minutes and during off-peak hours it will be 12 minutes.
Metro rail’s Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh stations to open Dec 31
“This afternoon, I will travel from Uttara North to Motijheel by metro rail. I also urge you to travel regularly on time-saving and environment-friendly metro rail,” the minister said.
“Maximum facilities for passengers will be ensured in metro rail. Six lines of the metro rail will be operational by 2030,” said the minister.
Dhaka Metro Rail extends service hours on Uttara-Motijheel route; here are the timings
Dhaka Metro Rail extends service hours on Uttara-Motijheel route; here are the timings
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced an expansion in the operational hours of the Metro Rail services on the Uttara North-Motijheel route.
Starting January 20, the services will be available from 7:10 am to 8:00 pm every day except Friday, as stated by MAN Siddique, Managing Director of DMTCL, during a press conference at the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban on Thursday.
The morning service will commence with two metro trains departing from Uttara North Metro Rail Station at 7:10 am and 7:20 am, heading towards Motijheel. These trains will make stops at all stations and can only be accessed using MRT/Rapid Pass.
Metro rail’s Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh stations to open Dec 31
From Motijheel, train services will start at 7:30 am and operate at designated intervals until 8:00 pm. The evening schedule includes four metro trains leaving Motijheel Metrorail Station at 8:10 pm, 8:20 pm, 8:30 pm, and 8:40 pm, traveling back to Uttara North, stopping at each station en route.
Passengers wishing to board these evening trains must have either an MRT Pass/Rapid Pass or a Single Journey Ticket, purchased before 7:45 pm on the day of travel. Post 7:45 pm, ticketing offices and sales machines will be closed.
Previously, Metro Rail services on the Agargaon-Motijheel route were operational from 7:00 am to 11:30 am at 10-minute intervals. This extension aims to offer greater convenience to commuters traveling between Uttara and Motijheel.
New Metro Rail Station at Dhaka University: A milestone in student connectivity
Dhaka Metro Rail currently serves 16 stations: Uttara North, Uttara Center, Uttara South, Pallabi, Mirpur-11, Mirpur-10, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Agargaon, Bijoy Sarani, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Shahbag, Dhaka University, Bangladesh Secretariat, and Motijheel. An ongoing expansion project is set to include Kamalapur in the network soon.
The Dhaka Metro Rail began operating on the Uttara to Agargaon section on November 29, 2022, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurating the services a day prior. Similarly, the segment between Agargaon and Motijheel, which started serving passengers on November 5, 2023, was also inaugurated by the Prime Minister the day before its public launch.
With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone
With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone
Dhaka's ambitious metro rail project reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh metro rail stations. This achievement marks the completion of all 16 stations along the Dhaka Metro Rail route, extending from Uttara North to Motijheel.
Following the commencement of the Bijoy Sarani and Dhaka University stations on December 13, only the Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh stations were pending activation. With their launch, Dhaka residents can now enjoy full access to the metro rail network, significantly easing urban transportation.
Also read: New Metro Rail Station at Dhaka University: A milestone in student connectivity
Commuters, particularly office-goers, have warmly welcomed the operation of these crucial stations in the heart of the capital. Many have expressed their satisfaction and are eagerly anticipating an expanded schedule on the Agargaon-Motijheel route.
"The metro rail has transformed our daily commute, and the new stations are a much-needed addition," shared a business trader from Gazipur’s Tongi who has to travel at least twice a week to Old Dhaka’s Bakshi Bazar, a distance of almost 24 kilometres.
Metro rail: DU, Bijoy Sarani stations open from Dec 13
Dhaka University and Bijoy Sarani stations of Dhaka Metro Rail from the capital’s Agargaon to Motijheel segment will open to public on December 13.
With this, the number of stations will stand at five out of total seven stations from Agargaon to Motijheel.
DU BCL thanks Sheikh Hasina for metro station at TSC
The previously opened stations are Farmgate, Secretariat and Motijheel while Shahbagh and Kawran Bazar stations will be opened at the beginning of January.
M.A.N Siddique, director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, confirmed the development, saying that they are going to open the two stations within three months of opening the Agargaon-Motijheel part of the metro rail.
Dhaka Metro Rail Passes: How to Buy and Recharge
He, however, said schedules of metro rail operation wouldn’t be changed after opening the two stations while it will follow the previous schedule.
The director informed that Shahbagh and Kawran Bazar stations will be opened subsequently as works of elevators and stairs of the stations are yet to be completed.
On November 4, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the metro rail service from Agargaon to Motijheel.
Metro Rail to operate special service from 7:10am Wednesday
From the following day, metro trains have been running from the capital’s Uttara to Motijheel between 7:30 am and 11:30 am.
But, the train movement from Uttara to Agargaon remains in operation from the morning to 8:30 pm following the regular schedule.
Dhaka Metro Rail Passes: How to Buy and Recharge
In a transformative leap towards modern urban transportation, Dhaka marked a significant milestone in December 2022 with the commencement of its metro rail era through the inauguration of MRT-6. This pioneering initiative has not only reshaped the city’s skyline but has also become an integral part of the daily lives of Dhaka dwellers. Commuters can easily travel by metro rail with a Single-Journey Ticket, MRT Pass, or Rapid Pass. Let’s learn how to buy metro rail passes and recharge them.
Types of Metro Rail Tickets and Passes
Metro rail commuters on Line-6 in Dhaka have three types of ticketing options tailored to suit passengers’ travel needs. The Single Journey Ticket offers a one-time journey for those who prefer occasional use of the metro rail.
On the other hand, the MRT Pass and Rapid Pass cater to regular commuters, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution. The MRT Pass, a magnetic contactless Integrated Circuit Ticket, also known as a smart card, streamlines the ticketing process through technology.
Notably, both the MRT Pass and the Rapid Pass come with a 30% discount compared to single-journey tickets, incentivizing commuters to opt for these efficient and economical alternatives. This not only enhances the overall travel experience but also encourages the widespread adoption of sustainable and advanced public transportation solutions in the bustling city of Dhaka.
Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail's Agargaon-Motijheel part to be opened by PM on Nov 4
How to Buy Single-Journey Tickets
For the convenience of metro rail users on Line-6 in Dhaka, single-journey tickets are accessible through two distinct channels. Passengers have the option to acquire these tickets manually by visiting ticket counters strategically located at various stations. This traditional approach allows individuals to interact with station staff and obtain their tickets in person.
In addition to the manual method, commuters also benefit from an automated and self-service alternative through Ticket Vending Machines (TVM). These user-friendly machines empower passengers to independently purchase their single journey tickets. Single tickets are valid till 12 pm on the day of ticket purchase.
Read more: Metro rail runs for 12 hours- 8 am to 8 pm- from today
How to Buy an MRT Pass and Recharge
To acquire the convenience and benefits of an MRT Pass, passengers can exclusively obtain them from designated ticket counters located at metro rail stations. This pass is issued by the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).
The process involves completing a registration form, which is downloadable from https://dmtcl.gov.bd/ as well as at stations.
After filling out the form, the user is required to submit it along with a payment of Tk 500. This payment covers the pass issuance and includes a refundable deposit of Tk 200. The user needs to carry a photocopy of his or her NID card while submitting the form.
Read more: Metro Rail’s Mirpur-11, Kazipara stations now open to commuters