Starting in May, Dhaka Metro Rail is expected to operate throughout the day on Fridays, while efforts are underway to reduce intervals between trains, increasing the total number of daily trips. The metro service generated approximately Tk244 crore in ticket sales during the 2023–24 fiscal year.
Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), shared the information during an exchange meeting with members of Reporters for Rail and Road (RRR) at the metro depot in Uttara on Tuesday.
Currently, metro trains operate on Fridays from 3pm, while on other days, trains run every eight minutes during peak hours and every ten minutes during off-peak hours, with 198 trips per day. On Fridays, the service runs 60 times.
Abdur Rouf said: “We are working towards making metro rail frequency more convenient by May. This is our target, as per the advisers' directives, and we hope to finalize the adjustments by then.”
DMTCL’s managing director reported that the metro transports an average of 350,000 passengers daily, with a record 383,000 passengers on Monday. The previous highest was over 381,000 on January 23. Passenger numbers are expected to rise to 550,000 daily once the metro extends to Kamlapur.
The DTMCL MD said: “DMTCL earned Tk244 crore from ticket sales in 2023–24. In the previous fiscal year (2022–23), when the metro was partially operational, revenue stood at over Tk22 crore.”
Regarding operational expenses, DMTCL Director (Finance & Accounts) Md Aftabuzzaman said: “The metro pays around Tk6 crore in monthly electricity bills, while another Tk6 crore goes towards salaries and allowances.”
“Additional costs include maintenance and procurement of office supplies. Some staff salaries are covered under project funding,” he added.
DMTCL has repaid three instalments of its project loan, including Tk76 crore from metro revenue.
During the July student and public uprising, the Kazipara and Mirpur-10 stations sustained damage. Initial repairs, costing Tk20 crore, were carried out by relocating equipment from other stations and purchasing local supplies. DMTCL has now invited tenders for additional materials, with an estimated budget of Tk18 crore.
Previously, under the Awami League government, officials said that repairing the two stations would take a year and cost approximately Tk300 crore.
Abdur Rouf urged Dhaka residents to avoid pasting posters on metro pillars, saying that while graffiti may be acceptable, posters negatively affect the city’s aesthetic appeal. Letters have been sent to the city corporation and police to address this issue.
The metro service is facing a workforce shortage, with around 200 trained employees resigning after securing better jobs, including at least 50 in recent months.
DMTCL has 1,379 staff against an approved strength of 1,919, with ongoing recruitment processes. Around 200 new employees are set to join soon, and temporary staff will be hired to improve services and increase train numbers.
