Dhaka metro rail operations are expected to resume from August 25, Road Transport and Highways Department senior secretary Ehsanul Haq  said on Tuesday (August 20, 2024). Ehsanul Haq visited the National Press Club metro rail station today and instructed the officials concerned to take necessary steps to resume the metro rail services. The striking metro rail workers returned to work today.  Read more: Metro Rail to resume operations within 7 days max: Adviser Fauzul The authorities suspended metro service since 18 July, citing damage due to arson and vandalism. The metro rail operations did not resume on Saturday as planned because officials were unable to finish the necessary technical tests. The two stations in Mirpur-10 intersection and Kazipara which were vandalized during the recent student movement will remain shut for necessary renovation work. Read more: Metro rail operations not resuming Saturday: DMTCL

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

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.

Dhaka Metro Rail services resumed after nearly two hours of suspension this morning (May 27, 2024). Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, deputy director (public relations) of the MRT Line-6 project, said the operations remained suspended due to problem in power sypply. Suspension of Metro rail service causes immense suffering to city dwellers Wishing anonymity, an official of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, said the electric power supply for the metro rail was halted due to technical reasons. This problem occurred on Bijoy Sarani-Shewrapara line around 7:30am, he added. However, the services resumed after 9am, he said. Quader expresses discontent over NBR’s move to impose 15% VAT on Metro rail

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.

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.

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.

As the Ekushey Boi Mela (Book Fair) 2024 crossed its seventh day yesterday, publishers and book sellers are hopeful for increased sales and public engagement, despite not yet reaching their anticipated sales targets. The Dhaka Metro Rail has infused the fair with a new vibrancy, making it more accessible for visitors from distant areas like Uttara, Mirpur, and Motijheel. Ovi Islam, from Farmgate, shared his positive experience of using the metro rail to bypass traffic jams, despite the initial long wait for tickets. Go for digital book publication to globally promote Bengali literature:PM Hasina tells publishers at Ekushey Book Fair Although some visitors, like Ovi who visited the fair three times without purchasing books, contribute to the growing foot traffic, the overall sales have yet to see a significant boost. Another group of visitors from Uttara noted the ease of accessing the fair this year, thanks to the metro rail, which has offered a way to avoid the infamous Dhaka traffic congestion. Book sellers expressed mixed feelings about the fair's progress. While visitor numbers are on the rise, actual book purchases remain lower than expected. Nur Hossen Sarkar from Anupam Prokashoni observed that many attendees are more interested in browsing than buying. Similarly, Mohammad Jabed from Mowla Brothers noted a slight decrease in sales compared to the initial days but remains hopeful for an uptick in activity. PM opens Ekushey book fair Some exhibitors have faced challenges with their stall placements, leading to visibility and accessibility issues. Sumon Saj from Nongor Publication voiced concerns about being allocated a less favorable location and has reported the issue to Bangla Academy without seeing significant action. Some publishers also expressed dissatisfaction about the overall arrangement and environment. These issues suggest that while the metro rail has made the fair more accessible, improvements are still needed in its organization and visitor experience. With the fair still underway, publishers and sellers are optimistic about a surge in sales and visitor numbers, especially with the upcoming weekend. Tracing the Roots of Ekushey Boi Mela