The extension of metro rail operating hours at night in Dhaka has led to a noticeable increase in passenger numbers, with authorities now considering a further expansion of service time. After the recent adjustment, evening services have become almost as crowded as peak daytime hours.
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), responsible for the construction and operation of the metro rail, stated that since the introduction of extended operating time, an average of approximately 8,500 additional passengers have been using the service daily.
Increased demand during extended hours
On 7 June, metro rail services were extended by 20 minutes in both directions. As a result, the last train from Motijheel now departs at 10:30 pm, while the final train from Uttara leaves at 9:50 pm. Two additional trains operate during this extended period—one from each direction.
However, officials noted that the increase in ridership far exceeds the capacity of these two additional trains alone. Each train can carry up to 2,300 passengers, meaning the added services can accommodate around 4,600 passengers in total. The overall increase of around 8,500 passengers is attributed to higher demand across the last two to three trains of the day, as commuters who previously avoided late travel now opt for the metro.
Passenger growth and travel experience
According to DMTCL data, daily ridership on working days previously stood at around 400,000 or slightly above. On a recent Sunday, passenger numbers rose to a record 429,000.
Commuters report significant congestion during evening hours, particularly at Kawran Bazar station, where demand for northbound services towards Mirpur and Uttara increases sharply after 5 pm.
A journalist, Rajib Ahmed, described missing a 10:30 pm train due to overcrowding on 13 June and eventually boarding the final service, which reached Kawran Bazar at around 10:40 pm. He noted that the level of congestion on the last train was comparable to daytime peak hours.
Another commuter, Abu Huraira, reported severe overcrowding on a Wednesday evening journey at around 8:30 pm, stating that passengers were unable to board the first arriving train due to heavy crowding and had to wait for a second service, which was also fully packed.
Current and proposed timetable changes
Service Phase
Direction
Departure Time
Before 7 June extension
Uttara → Motijheel (last train)
9:30 pm
Before 7 June extension
Motijheel → Uttara (last train)
9:10 pm
After 7 June extension
Uttara → Motijheel (last train)
9:50 pm
After 7 June extension
Motijheel → Uttara (last train)
10:30 pm
Proposed further extension
Uttara → Motijheel (last train)
10:20 pm
Proposed further extension
Motijheel → Uttara (last train)
11:00 pm
Authorities are currently considering extending operating hours by an additional 50 minutes beyond the current schedule. If approved, the revised timings may be implemented from next month.
Operational capacity and constraints
At present, 24 train sets operate on the Uttara–Motijheel route, each consisting of six coaches. During peak hours, 12 train sets are in continuous operation. DMTCL officials indicated that if services are further extended, 14 train sets will be deployed simultaneously.
The metro system has the technical capacity to operate trains at intervals of approximately three and a half minutes. However, officials explained that maintenance work on tracks, trains, and workshops is carried out during non-operational hours, limiting the immediate feasibility of extended services without additional operational adjustments.
Trial runs for a 50-minute extension were conducted in May, but due to uncertainty over passenger demand, the extension was initially limited to 20 minutes.
Ridership projections and future expansion
The metro rail system was originally designed to handle around 500,000 passengers per day on the Uttara–Motijheel corridor. Current average daily ridership stands at approximately 425,000. With ongoing expansion work extending the line to Kamalapur, expected to open next year, daily passenger capacity is projected to rise to around 677,000.
Metro rail operations in Dhaka began on 28 December 2022, initially between Uttara and Agargaon. The service was later extended in phases, reaching Motijheel with full station operations starting at the end of 2023.
Officials continue to assess staffing, technical readiness, and operational logistics as part of planning for further extensions in service hours, particularly during the night period when passenger demand is now unexpectedly high.
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