Metro fares manifold than in India, Pakistan: BNP

The fares of Dhaka Metro Rail are two to five times higher than metro transport services in neighbouring India and Pakistan, alleged the BNP.

About the minimum fare of Tk20 and Tk100 for the 20km Uttara-Motijheel stretch, the party claimed that the government has fixed the fares in violation of the metro rail rules and act. 

"If the ruling government was a democratic one elected by the people and accountable to the people, it could not have taken such an unacceptable decision," BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan said at a press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday.

"This is why the removal of this government has become so important," he added.

The BNP leader said, "Any government has a minimum responsibility to work for public welfare. But there is corruption and profiteering in every work of the incumbent government, which is reprehensible."  

Referring to the metro rail project's purpose, Nazrul Islam Khan said the rapid transit was supposed to make Dhaka travel affordable, easier and smoother. 

"But the fares are double even compared to Dhaka bus services. The government set the higher metro fares due to their corruption. Why should people take responsibility and pay for their wrongdoings," he questioned. 

The allegations came just a day before the country enter the "metro rail era", with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina going to open the first phase of the country's first-ever metro rail service on Wednesday morning.

"By cutting the red ribbon, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will become the first passenger of the city's most modern transport system," said an official of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

After the opening, the metro rail will run straight from Uttara to Agargaon without any stopping at any intermediate station along the route. Commuters will be able to take a trip on the train from the next day (Thursday).

A train will wait for passengers at each platform for 10 minutes for the first few days as city dwellers are not familiar with this new transport system.

Initially, some 10-set of train having six coaches will run from Uttara to Agargaon. For the time being, the train will run on this route slowly. It will run from 8 am to 12 pm, the time will be extended later and the number of trains will be increased as per demand.