Dhaka Metro Rail to Increase Trips Instead of Adding New Coaches

When the metro project was planned, authorities had stated that additional coaches could be added to meet rising passenger demand, and stations were designed to accommodate such expansion. However, due to higher costs and technical complications, adding extra coaches is currently not feasible. Instead, the focus is shifting to increasing the number of train trips.

Currently, each metro train set consists of six coaches: two trailer coaches at either end (housing the driver, control systems, and passengers) and four motor coaches in the middle for passengers. There are 24 such train sets in Dhaka, though not all are in use.

Capacity and Expansion Plans

According to metro authorities, each six-coach train can carry up to 2,300 passengers. Adding two more coaches per train could increase capacity by around 1,000 passengers per set without extra fuel costs. An alternative is to increase the number of train trips, though that requires additional staff and fuel.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), responsible for operating the metro, reports that over 400,000 passengers travel on the metro daily. On 6 August, the highest recorded daily ridership was 456,746. Each train carries about 2,000 passengers on average, and handling more passengers with the current system is considered nearly impossible.

Staffing and Operational Adjustments

The recruitment process for additional staff has been completed, and after training over the next few months, metro authorities plan to increase train frequency. DMTCL Managing Director Faruk Ahmed explained that new investments are difficult at this stage, so emphasis is being placed on running more trips.

Background and Technical Constraints

Metro services began in December 2022, initially operating between Uttara and Agargaon. A year later, the line was extended to Motijheel, increasing passenger load. Earlier plans had envisaged adding two more coaches per train, but Japanese suppliers indicated that such an expansion would require significant additional investment and time. Future metro lines in Dhaka are being planned with eight-coach train sets.

Each metro platform is at least 170 meters long, enough to accommodate two extra coaches, but current platforms and signaling systems are only configured for six-coach trains. Modifying 17 stations to handle extra coaches would require installing new doors and integrating with the electrical system, adding further complexity.

Current Utilization

Of the 24 train sets, 13 operate continuously, three are reserved for special needs, and seven remain unused. Daily inspections include running one empty train to ensure the line and signaling system are fully operational.

According to Professor Samsul Haque of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, maximizing the capacity of the expensive metro system is critical. If ridership grows, increasing the number of train trips will not only boost revenue but also help reduce road congestion. Additionally, operating hours could be slightly extended at night to accommodate more passengers.