Bangladesh
Dhaka Metro Rail Metro rail safest public transport during blockade
Dhaka, Nov 14: Metrorail was opened for movement from Uttara to Motijheel on November 5. After that, out of eight days, five days were spent in the siege. Metrorail has come as a boon where access to public transport is difficult due to the ongoing blockade programme. After the Uttara to Motijheel route was opened, the city dwellers are realizing its benefits. They breathe a sigh of relief as they reach their workplace or destination safely and on time.
Talking to the passengers of Mirpur 10 and Secretariat stations of Metrorail on Monday, their opinions and experiences are known. Since last October 28, a continuous programme of hartal-blockade is being observed across the country with a break of one or two days at the call of BNP and like-minded political parties. It can be said that the traffic of long-distance vehicles is almost stopped. At the same time, traffic in the capital is limited. Due to the lack of buses on the roads, the working people are suffering. But for many of them, Metrorail has brought relief by easing the suffering.
Private sector worker Kabir's office is in Motijheel. He has to go there every day. He said, "Since the Metrorail started up to Motijheel, I used to go by regular metro. Many times I survived. Traffic is running less due to road blockage. But I am not having any problem. I can go on time."
File photo/Collected
Raisul Islam, employee of a Dhaka office, said, "We have already understood the benefits of metro. When all the stations are operational, and the arrival time of trains will be reduced, we will get more benefits."
Hundreds of vehicles have been torched so far during the blockade across the country. There are also reports of casualties. These vandalism has spread panic in the minds of those who have to go out for work every day. However, commuters who are able to go to work by Metrorail have expressed relief and confidence about this transport.
