Heavy traffic congestion gripped several areas of the capital on Wednesday after metro rail services were suspended on the Agargaon-Motijheel section due to a technical issue near the Farmgate metro station.
The pressure on the roads increased significantly, especially in key areas like Science Lab, New Market, Shahbagh, Gulistan, Banasree, and Saat Rasta, as commuters were forced to rely on alternative transport.
The disruption, which began around 9am, left many passengers struggling to reach their destinations, worsening the traffic situation across the city.
Monirul Islam, who was on his way to Motijheel from Kawran Bazar for business purposes, had to choose the bus like many other passengers due to the metro rail shutdown.
He said: "The metro rail suddenly stopped. When we take the metro, it saves time, and we can reach our destination on time. That's how we plan. Now that we are on the bus, it's uncertain when we'll arrive."
Another passenger, Rabbi Mia, said: "We usually travel by bus. Sometimes we get a seat, sometimes we don't. Today, there's a lot of pressure from passengers. It seems there's no option but to hang from the bus."
Additionally, many passengers shared their experiences of travel disruptions on social media after the sudden suspension of the metro rail.
In this regard, Assistant Commissioner Snehashish Das said: "The traffic is slightly heavier today compared to usual due to the metro rail shutdown. We are trying to manage the traffic situation to the best of our ability."
He further said: "One lane of the road in Farmgate is closed for metro rail repair work, which is causing additional traffic pressure in that area."
Meanwhile, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) officially announced that due to unavoidable reasons, the train service on the Agargaon to Motijheel section has been temporarily suspended since 9:40am.
However, the train service on the Uttara North to Agargaon section is continuing. They will inform when the Agargaon to Motijheel section resumes regular operations.
