Metro Rail to Introduce Online Card Recharge Service from 25 November

Starting 25 November, Dhaka’s metro rail users will be able to top up their permanent travel cards from home, without visiting any station. The new digital service will support payments through credit or debit cards and popular mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, along with other online banking options.

According to officials, the service will be inaugurated by the special assistant to the Chief Adviser overseeing the Road, Bridges and Rail Ministry, Sheikh Moinuddin. In the first phase, recharges can be made using a link available on the DTCA (Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority) website. A dedicated mobile app is expected next month, which will allow users to top up directly from their phones.

Officials say the new system will reduce crowds at station counters and bank booths, as passengers will no longer need to stand in line for recharges. However, single-journey tickets will continue to be sold only at stations.

DTCA Executive Director Neelima Akhter noted that the move will save time and reduce the hassle for commuters. Many Dhaka residents already pay utility bills through mobile apps from home, and commuters had long requested similar convenience for metro rail services.

At present, two types of permanent cards are in use:

Rapid Pass (issued by DTCA, usable across buses, trains, and metro rail)

MRT Pass (issued by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, the operator of the metro rail)

Both cards will be eligible for online recharge under the new system.

How the Recharge Will Work

Users will have to create an account on the DTCA website or mobile app and log in. After choosing the top-up option, they must select either Rapid Pass or MRT Pass, then choose a payment method to load money onto the card.

After completing the digital transaction, passengers must tap their card once on a special device at any metro station called the Add Value Machine (AVM) to finalize the update. Once updated, the card will function normally until the balance runs out.

DTCA states that a small fee will be charged for using online payment gateways. If a user does not update the card at an AVM within three months, the unclaimed balance will be returned to the account it was paid from, minus a 10% service charge. Refunds can be requested within seven days, also subject to the same fee.

Installation of New Devices

AVM machines are being installed across 16 stations from Uttara to Motijheel, with two machines per station. In total, 32 AVMs will be placed before the service goes live.

Current Metro Rail Usage and Future Plans

Around 450,000 passengers use the metro rail daily. The operator offers a 10% fare discount for those using Rapid Pass or MRT Pass. About 55% of riders currently use these permanent cards.

The metro rail now begins its first trip from Uttara North at 6:30 AM, with the final train leaving at 9:30 PM. From Motijheel, the first train starts at 7:15 AM, and the last departs at 10:10 PM.

Authorities plan to reduce the interval between trains next month by two minutes, which is expected to push daily ridership beyond 500,000. Work is also underway to extend the line to Kamalapur, which could increase dailypassenger capacity to nearly 680,000.