Summary:
- Dhaka Metro Rail achieved a historic single-day ridership of 403,164 passengers on 13 February 2025, the highest since its inauguration.
- The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced the milestone on 14 February via its official Facebook page.
- DMTCL acknowledged public support, thanking passengers and stakeholders for their trust in the metro rail system.
- The metro rail has become a critical solution to Dhaka’s traffic congestion, with plans to expand connectivity across the city.
Dhaka Metro Rail recorded its highest-ever daily passenger count on Thursday, transporting 403,164 commuters in a milestone for the capital’s flagship urban transit system. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced the achievement Friday via its official Facebook page, calling it a “new record” since the service’s inauguration.
The surge in ridership occurred on 13 February 2025, surpassing all previous single-day figures since the metro rail began operations. DMTCL attributed the milestone to growing public reliance on the system, stating, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to passengers, well-wishers, and stakeholders for their continued trust and support.”
The electrically powered metro rail, a centerpiece of Dhaka’s efforts to modernize its overwhelmed transport infrastructure, has steadily gained popularity since its launch. Operating along the Uttara-Agargaon-Motijheel route, the service has reduced travel time between northern and central Dhaka from hours to minutes, offering a critical alternative to the city’s chronic traffic congestion.
While DMTCL did not specify the immediate cause of Thursday’s record, analysts note rising usage coincides with expanded operational hours and increased public familiarity with the system. The agency has gradually extended service coverage since its initial phase, with future plans to link more densely populated areas.
As Dhaka’s population exceeds 23 million, the metro rail’s role in easing mobility challenges remains pivotal. Authorities continue to prioritize the network’s expansion, aiming to integrate it with other transit systems under Bangladesh’s broader vision for sustainable urban development.
