Metro rail’s frequency to be increased in Ramadan

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd has decided to enhance the frequency of metro rail services by increasing the length of peak hours by one hour starting from the first day of Ramadan, aiming to better accommodate the needs of commuters.

As per the new schedule, the peak hours will be 7:31am to 11:36am, and from 2:01pm to 8pm on the Uttara-Motijheel route. From Motijheel to Uttara, peak hours will be from 8:01am to 12:08pm and from 2:41pm to 8:40pm.

The state-owned company will also increase the service period of the metro by another one hour up to 9:40pm from the 16th day of Ramadan. 

Managing Director of the Dhaka Mass Transit Company MAN Siddique made the disclosure at a press briefing on Sunday.

He said the last train departing from Motijheel will be scheduled for 9:40pm, up from 8:40pm at present, while the last train from Uttara is set for 9pm, up from 8pm, from 16th Ramadan. 

The metro will operate at 12-minute intervals during the extended period, which will require another 10 trips, added Siddique.

Currently, the metro runs with a 12-minute headway during the off-peak hours and an 8-minute headway during peak hours.

From the first Ramadan, the length of peak hours of the service on the Uttara to Motijheel route will be extended by one hour, while on the Motijheel to Uttara route, it will be extended by 1.12 hours. 

Ten trips will be added to cover the increase in peak hours.  

Siddique said passengers will be allowed to carry only 250ml water bottles for iftar.

Currently, the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd is operating 174 trips of metro rail on the MRT line-6. The number will be increased to 194 with a total passenger capacity of 4.48 lakh during Ramadan.

Siddique further said the commuters will have 15 minutes of additional time to conclude their journey during Ramadan.