The long-awaited expansion of the Dhaka Metro Rail is finally complete, connecting Uttara in the north to Motijheel in the city center. This major infrastructure development is expected to drastically reduce commute times, ease traffic congestion, and improve public transportation across the capital.
A New Chapter in Urban Mobility
The expanded MRT Line-6 now covers over 21 kilometers with 17 stations in total. Commuters can now travel from Uttara to Motijheel in just 38 minutes, a journey that previously took more than 2 hours during rush hour.
Each station is equipped with modern facilities, including elevators, escalators, CCTV, and digital ticketing systems.
Economic & Environmental Impact
With a projected daily ridership of over 500,000 people, the Metro Rail will reduce the dependency on fossil-fueled vehicles, lowering CO₂ emissions by an estimated 30%. Traffic congestion in areas like Mirpur, Farmgate, and Shahbagh has already shown signs of improvement since the initial phase opened.
This project is expected to boost business activities in newly connected areas and encourage more organized urban growth.
Public Reactions
Citizens are expressing both surprise and delight over the comfort and punctuality of the Metro service. Many believe this is a sign that Bangladesh’s urban future is on the right track.
College students, office workers, and elderly passengers especially appreciate the safety and air-conditioning features inside the carriages.
Challenges Ahead
While the project is a success, experts have raised concerns about long-term maintenance, affordability of tickets for lower-income commuters, and the integration with bus services.
The government plans to launch more lines, including MRT Line-5 and Line-1, by 2030.
