United News of Bangladesh

Faulty design and negligence by the contractor and consulting firms may have caused the recent Metro route’s bearing pad fall incident that claimed the life of a pedestrian, said Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Faruque Ahmed on Monday (3rd November 2025). “After last year’s incident, we carried out inspections both physically and using drones. Another inspection was conducted two months ago. Our top priority is ensuring safety. There may have been faults in the design,” he said at a press briefing held at the DMTCL headquarters in Uttara. The accident might have occurred due to several factors, including the use of substandard materials or a lack of proper understanding of the work, which will be confirmed after an investigation, he added. “It was the consultancy firm’s responsibility to verify the work. Due to their lack of expertise, deficiencies exist,” said the DMTCL MD. Read more: Construction worker dies after falling from Kamalapur metro rail station He also pointed out that the Line-1 project currently has no project director, but four to five new directors will be appointed soon. “We have to build the metro ourselves. We want to move forward by prioritising local expertise through smart financing. There is a conflict of interest with the investor. I have been given a 50-year warranty, but within that framework, my authority is quite limited,” he said, adding that design changes could be made if necessary. Faruque Ahmed urged political parties and others to refrain from pasting posters on metro rail pillars. “If physical cracks are hidden under them, they remain undetected. Based on our expenditure, this metro was expected to be among the best in the world—but the reality is different. Those responsible for approving or certifying the work will be held accountable if any irregularities are found,” he said. Read more: Metro Rail’s Friday schedule revised Referring to the fatal incident at Farmgate Metro Rail Station, he said the family of Abul Kalam Azad—who died after a bearing pad fell on him—has been provided with Tk 5 lakh in initial financial assistance. “This amount is not compensation for the loss of life; it is immediate assistance,” said the DMTCL MD. “Right after the incident, we went to the spot and managed all arrangements—from hospital procedures to the funeral—along with the ministry. Later, an adviser from the ministry also provided some emergency support.” He added that long-term support initiatives have been taken for the deceased’s family. “We have met with the victim’s wife and arranged a job for her according to her qualifications. She will be appointed once she submits the required documents,” said Faruque Ahmed. He mentioned that the victim’s wife is expected to complete her honours degree in about six months, after which she will be eligible for promotion based on her qualifications. Read more: HC issues rule on compensation of Tk 2 cr for metro bearing pad fall death

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has urged passengers using the capital’s metro rail service to wear masks as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19. In a press release issued on Monday, DMTCL made a special request to commuters to follow this precautionary step amid a recent uptick in coronavirus infections. Despite the request, a visit to several metro stations in the city revealed that the majority of passengers were not complying with the guideline and seen travelling without masks. According to health authorities, 36 people tested positive for COVID-19 from 134 samples collected in the past week.  Covid-19: Railways Ministry urges Eid holidaymakers to wear masks One person died during this period due to complications related to the virus. Officials reminded the public that wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces remains a simple yet effective method of preventing transmission, especially in public transport settings like the metro rail.

For many Dhaka residents, the metro rail has become more than just a mode of transport — it’s a symbol of the city’s growing modernity and a reliable companion in the daily rush, but on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the capital’s most popular commuter service will take a short break. According to a notice issued by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) on Wednesday (June 4), metro rail services will remain completely closed on Saturday (June 7), the day of Eid. The announcement comes as many city dwellers prepare for the festive holiday, with thousands expected to leave the capital or head out to visit loved ones. While the pause may cause a temporary inconvenience for regular commuters, the break allows for observance of one of the country’s most sacred religious celebrations by it staff. Dhaka's street chaos takes root beneath its Metro Rail Metro rail operations will resume on Sunday (June 8), from 8:00am, with trains running every 30 minutes. From June 9 onwards, the services will follow the regular government holiday timetable.

Gas supply will remain suspended for 13 hours on Thursday in different areas in the capital for pipeline relocation works to facilitate construction of MRT Line -1 (Nadda) under Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited. Gas supply suspension in various Dhaka areas Tuesday According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, gas supply will remain off from 10 am to 11 pm on Thursday for consumers at Grameen Phone Headquarters, North-South University, Unique Hotel, US Embassy, Ananta Energy Resources, Pickle Power, Pragati CNG station, from Sahajatpur Kuril Biswa Road to Subastu Tower. BTMA seeks stable gas supply, favourable monetary policy to secure investment The consumers in the adjacent areas may experience low pressure in gas supply, said the Titas Gas regretting the temporary inconvenience to the people during the period.

The Dhaka Metro Rail has reached a new milestone, carrying a record 403,164 passengers in a single day, according to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL). In its verified Facebook post on Friday, DMTCL announced that the record-breaking figure was achieved on Thursday, marking the highest number of passengers transported in a single day since the metro rail service was inaugurated. Expressing gratitude, DMTCL extended thanks to passengers, well-wishers, and stakeholders for their support in achieving this milestone. Metro Rail’s Friday schedule revised A Popular and Efficient Mode of Transport Since its inauguration, the Dhaka Metro Rail has emerged as a crucial component of the city’s transport system. The service is particularly popular due to its speed, reliability, and modern facilities. Commuters benefit from avoiding Dhaka’s notorious traffic congestion, reducing both travel time and accident risks. Designed to accommodate over 60,000 passengers per hour, the metro rail offers a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport. The service is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for daily commuters seeking convenience and efficiency. Expanding the Metro Network The Dhaka Metro Rail project is being implemented by DMTCL, with multiple lines planned to enhance urban mobility. VAT waived on Dhaka Metro Rail tickets The first operational line, MRT Line 6, is nearing full completion. Besides, MRT Line 1 and MRT Line 5 are currently under construction, while MRT Line 2 and MRT Line 4 remain in the planning stages. Once fully operational, the metro network is expected to significantly alleviate Dhaka’s traffic congestion and contribute to the economic and social development of the greater Dhaka area. By offering a modern and efficient transport system, the metro rail is poised to be a game-changer in the city’s urban development. The introduction of the metro rail aligns with efforts to create a sustainable urban transport system in Dhaka. By reducing reliance on road transport, it is expected to lower carbon emissions and improve air quality in the city.

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

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.

Dhaka Metro Rail's Agargaon to Motijheel part will be opened to public on November 5, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate it on November 4, metro rail authorities said today (November 01, 2023). Initially, metro rail on Agargaon-Motijheel section will operate for four hours with three stations: Farmegate, Bangladesh Secretariat and Motijheel. Rest of the stations will be opened in phases, said M.A.N. Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), while talking to reporters today at Probashi Kallyan Bhaban. Inauguration of Agargaon- Motijheel section of Metro Rail postponed again; next date Nov 4 The prime minister is likely to inaugurate the movement of the train and will travel to Motijheel by metro rail on the inauguration day. She is expected to inaugurate the construction work of the MRT Northern route too, he said. Dhaka Metro Rail service to remain shut on Oct 14, 15 Dhaka commuters can travel from Agargaon to Motijheel between 7:30 am and 11:30 am from November 5. Inauguration of Agargaon- Motijheel section of Metro Rail postponed to Oct 29

The first coaches of metro trains arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday. Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited and former secretary MAN Siddique, confirmed the matter in the evening. Two out of the six coaches of the train reached the newly constructed jetty of DMTCL near the Turag River in Dhaka at around 5:00pm, he said. The coaches will be unloaded at 8 am on Thursday. Also read: Padma Bridge, Metro Rail opening to public within June 2022: Quader Amid the lockdown situation the work of Bangladesh’s first metro-rail is underway following the health protocols, Siddique said. Dhaka Metro Rail is an approved Mass Rapid Transit system under construction in the capital which is the busiest city of the country. Once the 20.1-kilometre metro rail with 16 stations goes into operation, it is expected to transport around 60,000 passengers every hour. Also read: Special police unit to ensure metro rail security: PM Metro-rail route-6 project consists of 16 elevated stations each of 180m long and 20.1 km of electricity powered light rail tracks. Construction of the project began on 26 June 2016 with an inauguration ceremony presided over by the reigning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.