The Dhaka Metro rail system is set to temporarily close on October 14 and 15 for essential system integration tests, as announced today by MAN Siddique, the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

Siddique further disclosed that following the inauguration of the Agargaon-Motijheel section by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, three stations—Farmgate, Bangladesh Secretariat, and Motijheel—will be accessible to the public. However, he noted that the official confirmation of the inauguration date, October 29, is still pending.

Additionally, the fourth station slated for opening is Dhaka University station.

In terms of the initial operational schedule, trains will run from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on the Agargaon-Motijheel section and from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on the Uttara-Agargaon section.

Siddique also outlined the phased expansion plan, stating that seven stations on the Agargaon-Motijheel section will be operational within three months. Following this, the metro rail service will extend its operating hours from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm along the entire line.

Moreover, after three months, the metro rail’s operating hours will be further extended, eliminating the current practice of having off days, which means the trains will run daily. This change will do away with the current non-operational Fridays.