Dhaka Sees Surging Demand for Metro Rai

Bangladesh’s first metro rail began operations on December 28, 2022, initially running from Uttara to Agargaon. Over time, more stations were opened, and by the end of 2023, passengers could travel all the way to Motijheel. The extension toward Kamalapur is currently under construction.

When approved in 2012, the project’s estimated cost was Tk 21,985 crore, but it has since risen to Tk 33,472 crore. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided a loan of Tk 19,718 crore for the project.

Regular commuter Arshadul Haque, who works at a travel agency, said that passenger demand for metro services in Dhaka—a city known for its chronic traffic jams—has grown rapidly. Expanding operating hours and increasing the number of trips, he added, would be a welcome improvement for commuters.