Dhaka’s metro rail is not for mass people!

Though not for all through the day, the much-anticipated metro rail — rapid transport service in the form of overhead electric railway service — has started operating from Uttara to Motijheel via Agargaon.

From Agargaon to Motijheel the operation of metro-rail will be available only from 7.30am to 11.30am now.

Once the metro rail starts its full operation, it will be able to carry more passengers than it is doing at present. In all major cities of the world, the metro rail remains as a fast-paced, smart and affordable mode of transport.

It is being said that the service in Dhaka has already brought relief to city life amid the nightmare transport system in the capital and the city dwellers will be able to enjoy an advanced, fast and safe transport from now on. But there are questions.

Frankly speaking, metro rail will never be a mode of mass transport unless its fare is reduced close to bus fare. With the present fare, a commuter will have to pay double the fare he pays for the bus from Mirpur to Motijheel.

This means for the poorer section of Dhaka City dwellers the metro-rail service will remain a matter of luxury. It will remain a transport for the people who can afford it.

Moreover, since poorer people such as labourers will not be able to afford the service, it is doubtful whether it can greatly reduce the traffic jams in the capital, because this section of people uses the bus service more than the others. Since the people who use a CNG auto-rickshaw or taxi will readily utilise the metro, for them the metro has come, no doubt, as a great relief. Their time will be saved greatly.

To become a mode of mass transport that can greatly reduce traffic jams in the capital, the metro rail fares should be made affordable so that even the lower class and laborers of the city can use it.