Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (JKS) has demanded the government-fixed fare rate for the Dhaka metro rail be reduced by 50 percent.

The association claimed it is unreasonable to fix the fare at double of what the Dhaka bus charges, without considering any passenger opinion or observation.

Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, secretary general of JSK, raised this demand during a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital's Shegunbagicha on Saturday morning. 

Mozammel Haque said that passengers want to know why the cost of construction of metro rail in Bangladesh is higher instead of competitive price like in other countries of the world.

He also claimed that Dhaka metro rail fares are not in line with neighboring countries. 

On September 6, the government fixed the minimum fare at Tk 20 and the per kilometre fare at Tk 5 for the metro rail services in the country.

Besides, the fare was fixed at Tk 100 for the entire route of the first-ever Mass Rapid Transit Line 6 from Uttara to Motijheel.

Earlier on December 16, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the long-cherished metro rail will be inaugurated in the capital on December 28 next.

Quader, also the AL general secretary, said the first phase of metro rail project from Diabari to Agergaon will be inaugurated on December 28.  

BDST: 1615 HRS, Dec 17, 2022
MN/SMS