Bangladesh Marks Historic Milestone with First Metro Rail Launch in Dhaka

Bangladesh celebrated a landmark achievement in its transportation history on Wednesday as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the country’s first metro rail service in the capital, Dhaka. The long-awaited project, part of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project, aims to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that has long plagued one of the world’s most densely populated cities.

The inaugural segment, known as MRT Line 6, stretches approximately 11.7 kilometers from Uttara to Agargaon, covering nine stations. Officials estimate that the fully operational line will significantly reduce travel time across the city, with trains capable of carrying up to 60,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The government has prioritized the metro as a key solution to Dhaka’s chronic gridlock, which costs the economy billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and fuel waste.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Hasina described the launch as a “dream come true” for the nation, emphasizing the project’s role in modernizing Bangladesh’s infrastructure. “This metro rail is not just a mode of transport; it is a symbol of our progress and determination to build a smarter, more efficient Dhaka,” she said. The project, funded partly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is expected to expand to full completion by 2025, covering over 20 kilometers and connecting key commercial and residential areas.

Residents expressed cautious optimism about the new service. “I have spent hours stuck in traffic every day for years. If the metro works as promised, it will change my life,” said Rafiqul Islam, a software engineer who commutes from Uttara to Motijheel. However, some voiced concerns about affordability and integration with existing bus and rickshaw networks. Fares have been set at a range of 20 to 100 taka (approximately $0.18 to $0.91), which some citizens consider high for low-income workers.

The metro launch comes amid broader efforts to modernize Bangladesh’s urban transport, including plans for additional metro lines and a rapid bus system. The government has also invested in road expansions and flyovers, though critics argue that such measures alone cannot solve the congestion crisis without robust public transit. Environmental advocates welcomed the metro as a step toward reducing air pollution, as Dhaka consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities due to vehicle emissions.

Internationally, the project has drawn attention as a model for developing nations grappling with rapid urbanization. Bangladesh, with a population exceeding 170 million, is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, and its infrastructure challenges are closely watched by global development agencies. The metro’s success could influence similar projects in other South Asian cities, such as Kolkata and Lahore, which have faced delays and cost overruns.

Despite the fanfare, implementation has not been without hurdles. Construction faced delays due to land acquisition disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the original 2021 deadline back by two years. Safety concerns also emerged after a minor accident during testing in 2022, though authorities have since assured the public of rigorous checks. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, which operates the service, has pledged to maintain high standards of maintenance and security.

As the first trains rolled out, commuters snapped photos and shared their experiences on social media, with many hailing the moment as historic. The metro’s sleek design and air-conditioned carriages offer a stark contrast to the crowded buses and autorickshaws that dominate Dhaka’s streets. For now, the service operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with plans to extend hours based on demand.

Looking ahead, the government aims to complete four additional metro lines by 2030, forming a network that could carry up to 4 million passengers daily. If realized, this would transform Dhaka into a more livable city, reducing commute times and improving quality of life for millions. The journey, however, remains long, and the true test will be in the system’s reliability and accessibility for all citizens.