Violent clashes surrounding the quota reform movement have resulted in significant damage to two metro rail stations in Dhaka, causing major disruptions to the city’s commute system. The extent of the financial loss remains undetermined. M.A.N Siddique, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), told UNB, “The damages to Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro rail stations are extensive. We cannot yet estimate the financial loss as experts need to assess the damage thoroughly.” In response to the incident, DMTCL formed a committee on July 22 to evaluate the damages and determine when the metro rail stations can be operational again. Led by Additional Project Director of Metro Rail Line-6, Md Zakaria, the committee has been instructed to submit a report within 10 working days. Attack on Mirpur Metro Rail stations coordinated by Chhatra Dal leader Abu Hannan, DB says The head of the investigation committee told UNB, “We have begun our work and outlined a plan of action. Various experts, contractors, and DMTCL officials are compiling a detailed list of the damages. It will take more time to quantify the losses.” The metro rail’s closure has led to increased road congestion in Dhaka, forcing commuters back into time-consuming and inconvenient journeys. Utara and Mirpur residents now face an additional two-hour travel time to reach their destinations. Several passengers expressed their frustration, noting how they had grown accustomed to the convenience of the metro rail. One commuter lamented, “Returning to old ways is uncomfortable. It costs us both more time and money. We demand a swift restoration of the damaged metro stations.” People must come forward to resist culprits: PM Hasina on metro rail mayhem When asked about the reopening timeline, the DMTCL MD said, “We cannot specify when the stations will reopen. The restoration of the two damaged stations will take considerable time. However, we are working to resume services at the unaffected stations as soon as possible.” Sources from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges indicated that identifying and repairing the technical damage caused by vandalism and arson hinge on assessments by a Japanese technical committee, whose recommendations will guide the restoration efforts. According to ministry officials, fully reopening the two damaged stations could take over a year. The delay is attributed to the need to import new machinery, as many damaged components are beyond repair and must be custom-ordered. BUET Civil Engineering Professor Dr. Shamsul Haque commented, “While I have not been directly involved in the metro rail construction, I believe that if the government prioritizes this, the stations could be restored within six months.” Another infrastructure expert, BUET Professor Dr. Hadiuzzaman, added, “The metro station equipment, including ticket machines, are specially made for Bangladesh. The necessary plans are with the manufacturing company, and the government can expedite the import and installation process. I don’t foresee significant technical challenges.” Violence erupted on July 18, targeting the Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro rail stations. The attacks led to destruction, vandalism, and looting, severely damaging the stations’ civil, electrical, mechanical, and building management systems. DMTCL reported that at Mirpur-10, nearly all systems, including telecommunications, air conditioning, fire detection, and suppression systems, were damaged. At Kazipara, various systems also suffered extensive damage. Destruction included entry and exit gates, fire-resistant doors and windows, signage, stainless steel fencing, and specialized glass doors and windows. Asked whether metro rail operations can be partially (without the two damaged stations in Mirpur) started within one month, Md Abdur Rauf, metro rail’s company secretary, said, “We will try our best to resume operations within a month considering public suffering.” The probe body will submit its report in one-two days and the extent of the damages will be known after that. Read more: PM Hasina visits vandalised Metro Rail station at Mirpur-10

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (July 25, 2024) morning visited the vandalised metro rail station at Mirpur 10.  She inspected different parts of the station which was totally devastated in the recent mayhem centering the student movement for reformation of quota in public service. Senior officials of the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) briefed the PM  regarding the destruction and the future plan to reopen the Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations. Some unidentified people went on a rampage at Mirpur-10 and Kazipara metro stations last Friday causing significant damages. Read more: It was a target by BNP-Jamaat to destroy the economy: PM Hasina on recent mayhem Metro rail services were suspended on July 18 amid demonstrations by students demanding quota reform in public service. Officials at DMTCL indicated that the reopening schedule will be declared once the inquiry committee, formed to assess the damages, submits its report within 10 working days. The inquiry committee was formed on July 22 to assess the extent of the damages to the metro rail and to determine when it can be made operational again. Additional Secretary Mohammad Zakaria, who is additional director of the metro rail MRT Line-6 project, is leading the committee. The government opened the metro station for public on March 01, 2023), nearly two months after the inauguration of the country’s much-awaited metro rail. The main construction work of the project started in 2017. The cost of the country’s first ever metro rail project stood at Tk 33,472 crore. Notably, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)  provided Tk 19,719 crore in the form of a loan to support the project, while the Government of Bangladesh funded the remaining amount. Read more: PM urges AL members to stand by the poor affected by violence In the beginning, the estimated cost of this project was about Tk 21,000 crore. The cost increased due to the construction of an additional 1.6 km section from Motijheel to Kamalapur, acquisition of new land for each station, and the addition of various new facilities. The prime minister formally inaugurated the Uttara-Agargaon section of MRT-6 line of the Metro Rail on December 28, 2022.

Over 40 percent of the construction for the Motijheel to Kamalapur section of the Dhaka Metro Rail project has been completed, with significant progress reported. The section, expected to commence operations by December 2025, is currently the focus of intense construction efforts. Specifically, 25 out of 30 pillars for the metro station have already been erected, and the remaining pillars are slated for rapid completion. To accommodate the metro rail construction, one lane of the Kamalapur-TT Para Road will remain closed for the next six months, according to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique, while speaking to UNB, emphasised the active pace of construction at the Kamalapur Metro Station and the viaduct connecting Motijheel-Kamalapur. Construction commenced in March last year, and progress has been substantial, marking an overall completion rate of 40 percent for this crucial section, he said. Read more: New schedule for metro rail passengers from June 19 “To facilitate construction, traffic diversions are in place, with one side of the road temporarily closed. We anticipate reopening the road upon project completion,” said Siddique. Responding to queries on project timelines, Siddique expressed confidence, stating, “We aim to initiate metro rail operations on this segment by December 2025.” The ongoing construction spans 1.16 km up to Kamalapur, initially targeted for completion by June 2025, now extended to December. The metro rail project, Bangladesh’s first Mass Rapid Transit Line, spans an elevated route from Uttara-Diabari-Mirpur-Farmgate-Motijheel-Kamalapur, totaling 21.26 km. The initiative has entailed demolitions of residences and shops. Construction activities are well underway near Bangladesh Bank and Sena Kalyan Bhaban in the Motijheel area. “The Kamalapur section of MRT Line-6 has undergone extensive soil testing and construction of critical elements like pilings, pile caps, station columns, pier columns, and precast segments. A significant portion of these structures has been completed,” added the DMTCL MD. Read more: Budget 2024-25: Uncertainty surrounds VAT exemption for Metro Rail tickets Regarding the Kamalapur extension, Siddique highlighted, “More than 100 properties have been affected, but compensation measures are in place.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the operation of the Uttara to Agargaon section of the Metro Rail on December 28, 2022. Looking ahead, the focus remains on meeting the December 2025 target for launching operations on the Motijheel-Kamalapur section of MRT Line-6, a landmark project set to transform urban mobility in Dhaka.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 

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

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