In recent times, the smooth operation of the metro rail has been marred by occasional disruptions caused by kites or sky lanterns entangled in electric wires and mechanical malfunctions.
These interruptions have led to temporary halts in train services, raising concerns about passenger safety.
Addressing passenger apprehensions, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Company Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rauf, assured that there is no cause for alarm if the metro rail encounters delays due to technical or human factors.
He explained that the metro rail utilizes Energy Storage System (ESS) technology, enabling it to generate electricity as it moves. Moreover, the train's braking system facilitates the continuous charging of its batteries during operation.
Rauf elaborated that in the event of a stoppage between stations, the metro rail can utilize its reserve power to reach the nearest station safely.
Passengers are instructed to proceed calmly to the front of the train and disembark at the closest station. The automatic doors will open after the train arrives at the platform. Then passengers have the option to wait for the system to restart or find alternative means to reach their destination.
To keep passengers informed, announcements are made both inside the trains and on platform screens, detailing the cause of the interruption.
Additionally, train operators communicate directly with passengers to maintain a sense of normalcy and provide guidance, the DMTCH official said.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation from passengers, Rauf urged them to follow instructions and disembark safely at the nearest station if necessary.
According to the metro rail project, the metro system will be connected to the national grid. As a result, if there is electricity anywhere in the country, the metro rail will run uninterrupted.
Passengers, who experienced the sudden disruptions, said the movement of the metro rail suddenly stopped and started to move a bit slower to reach the nearest station. Then it was announced from the train that the departure of the train will be delayed.
A commuter, Naim Hossain Sohag, said: “I was on the platform when the train stopped. Many passengers got out of the train. Some waited on the platform, while others left the station. It was announced that the train would be delayed. Later, when the train started, everyone was asked to enter. There was no fuss. It seemed quite normal.”
When asked about the solution to the repeated disruption of metro rail movement, DMTCL Company Secretary Md Abdur Rauf said that the number of passengers has increased since the metro rail was fully launched in January.
“Many of the passengers are still not fully familiar with the metro rail system. Because of this, there is often no coordination between the use of metro rail by passengers and the technology of metro rail,” he said.
Metro rail services were disrupted for over an hour on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday’s incident marked the fourth time in a month that metro rail operations have been temporarily suspended.
On February 14, the metro rail operation was suspended for 40 minutes as a kite fell on the power lines. Police have arrested two people in connection with the incident.
On February 7, two kites and kite strings got stuck in the electrical wires in the section from Pallabi to Shewrapara, disrupting the train schedule.
Again, on February 4, the operation was suspended for two hours due to zero voltage of the Overhead Catenary System (OCS).
The repeated interruptions in metro rail services has sparked frustration among passengers. They voiced concerns over the recurring nature of such disruptions.