The extension of operating hours on Dhaka’s metro rail by 20 minutes at night has led to a noticeable increase in passenger numbers, with congestion now reported to be comparable to peak daytime levels. In response, the authorities are considering a further extension of late-night services.
According to the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which operates the system, the introduction of the extended schedule has increased daily passenger numbers by an average of around 8,500.
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Rising demand during extended hours
Since 7 June, metro rail services have been extended by 20 minutes in both directions. Under the revised timetable, the final train from Motijheel departs at 10:30 pm, while the last train from Uttara North leaves at 9:50 pm. Two additional services—one from each terminal—have been introduced during this extended period.
Each train has a maximum capacity of approximately 2,300 passengers, meaning the two additional services alone can accommodate up to 4,600 passengers. However, officials report that overall demand has increased more significantly because crowding has also intensified on the two to three trains running immediately before the final departures.
Passengers previously uncertain about catching the last train had often opted for alternative transport. With the extended schedule, many of these passengers have returned to the metro, contributing to increased congestion across multiple services.
Passenger experience and crowding
Commuters have reported that late evening services are now heavily crowded. A journalist travelling from Karwan Bazar to Shewrapara noted that on 13 June he was unable to board the 10:30 pm train due to congestion and instead travelled on the final service, which arrived at Karwan Bazar at around 10:40 pm. He observed that passenger density was comparable to afternoon peak hours.
On 8 June, a female passenger working in a private organisation reported that around ten passengers boarded the women’s reserved coach from Karwan Bazar on the last train. She noted that without the extended service, passengers would have been compelled to use buses or other transport modes. She also observed that city roads remain busy until around 11 pm and suggested further extension of metro operating hours.
Ridership and operational data
DMTCL data shows that prior to the extension, average daily ridership exceeded 400,000 on working days. On a recent Sunday, passenger numbers reached approximately 429,000, marking one of the highest recorded figures to date.
Metro rail operational overview
| Category | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Night service extension | +20 minutes (both directions) |
| Last train (Motijheel → Uttara) | 10:30 pm |
| Last train (Uttara → Motijheel) | 9:50 pm |
| Additional trains introduced | 2 (1 per direction) |
| Capacity per train | ~2,300 passengers |
| Peak daily ridership | ~429,000 |
| Average daily ridership | ~425,000+ |
| Train sets in operation | 24 sets (6 coaches each) |
| Peak-hour operation | 12 sets active |
| Planned future operation | Up to 14 sets |
Plans for further extension
Officials are now considering extending night services by an additional 20 minutes. If approved, the final train from Motijheel could depart at 11:00 pm, while the last service from Uttara may leave at 10:20 pm. A decision could be implemented as early as next month.
Morning operations currently begin at 6:30 am from Uttara North towards Motijheel, with the first return service leaving Motijheel at 7:15 am. At present, there are no plans to extend morning operating hours.
Operational capacity and constraints
DMTCL officials state that the metro system is technically capable of running trains at intervals of approximately 3.5 minutes. The original operational design also envisaged services running from early morning until midnight. However, full implementation has been limited due to staffing and operational constraints.
At present, 24 train sets are available for service. During peak hours, 12 sets are in continuous operation. If extended hours are implemented further, the number of active sets may rise to 14.
Future projections
The metro system was originally projected to handle around 500,000 passengers daily on the Uttara–Motijheel corridor. Current average ridership stands at approximately 425,000. With the ongoing extension to Kamalapur expected to open next year, daily passenger capacity is projected to rise to around 677,000.
Since its launch on 28 December 2022, initially between Uttara and Agargaon, the metro network has gradually expanded. Full operations up to Motijheel began on 31 December 2023, significantly increasing passenger uptake across all stations.