Metro to run more frequently from Saturday as 26 more trains added
26 more trains added to fleet; DMTCL to run three off-peak special trains before morning peak hours
The frequency of metro train service in Dhaka is set to increase from Saturday as 26 more trains are being added to the fleet.
With the additions, the number of the up-down metro service will rise from 152 to 178, MAN Siddique, the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Ltd (DMTCL) managing director, announced at a press conference yesterday.
This will help reduce the train interval time from existing 10 minutes to only 8 minutes during the peak hours from 7:31am to 11:48am, he added.
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However, trains from Uttara will run every 12 minutes during the off-peak hours from 11:49am to 3:11pm. Again, the interval time will return to 8 minutes from 3:12pm to 8:11pm.
Additionally, three trains will start from Uttara between 7:10am and 7:30am as a special off-peak service of the DMTCL, MAN Siddique said.
The train runs on one line and if any object comes in contact with the high voltage line, we have to break the service for safety
From Motijheel, three trains will run from 7:30am to 8am. Then, peak hours will run again from 8am to 12:08pm.
The off-peak hours in this section are from 12:09pm to 3:52pm while peak hours will start again from 3:52pm to 8:40pm.
The service is available for about 13 hours between 7:10am and 8:40pm on the Uttara-Motijheel route every day except Friday at present.
Earlier on 12 February, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader had said steps are underway to increase the frequency of metro trains in view of growing commuters' dependence on its service.
Currently, around 2.7 lakh passengers are using the service every day with each train carrying some 1,750 people, according to the DMTCL.
Service faces delay for three trains
Passengers suffered on Thursday as metro rail services were delayed for about an hour because of some technical glitch, MAN Siddique said while replying to a query.
"Technical glitch is usually responsible for any delays we have faced so far," he said.
However, kites and lanterns also pose a threat for such services, he said, adding, "The train runs on one line and if any object comes in contact with the high voltage line, we have to break the service for safety."
Earlier, a stray kite falling on the power cable on Wednesday afternoon put the metro rail services on hold for about an hour.
Two people were arrested in the case while 6 minors were freed on bond by parents, the managing director said.
