Despite initiatives, metrorail online recharge won’t be fully operational

Despite the growing reliance on Metrorail as Dhaka’s most efficient mode of public transport, the long-promised online recharge system remains out of reach for passengers. Commuters continue to face long queues at stations to recharge permanent passes or buy single-trip tickets, with no immediate solution in sight.

A six-month-long shortage of permanent Rapid Passes has further compounded the issue, leaving thousands of passengers frustrated. While efforts have been made to introduce online recharges, unresolved technical complications and bureaucratic inefficiencies have stalled its full implementation.

Responsibility for the Metrorail system is divided between two key agencies: Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which oversees construction and operations, and the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), which handles the supply and distribution of Rapid Passes. However, sources confirm that DTCA is also in charge of the ticketing and recharge system, leading to an ongoing lack of coordination between the two agencies.

This incoordination has been a major roadblock in the rollout of the online recharge system.

In an exclusive statement, DMTCL Managing Director Faruque Ahmed assured commuters that progress is being made. "We are working closely with the relevant departments to introduce an online recharge service for Metrorail MRT passes as soon as possible. We hope to share good news with passengers very soon," he stated.

Meanwhile, DTCA has reportedly taken steps to resolve the issue. Sources reveal that the authority invited initial tenders in February to develop the online recharge system, with 33 IT companies participating. The initiative falls under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported project ‘Establishment of Clearing House for Integrating Transport Ticketing System in Dhaka City and Adjacent Districts.’

Once the online recharge system is launched, Rapid Pass holders will be able to top up their balances through various mobile financial services. However, there’s a catch—only mobile phones equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology will support direct recharges. Those without NFC-enabled devices will still need to visit a Metrorail station to synchronise their passes by tapping them on a designated device, preventing the service from being fully automated.

As frustrations mount, passengers are demanding answers. However, multiple attempts to reach DTCA for clarification were unsuccessful, with calls to the phone number listed on their official website going unanswered.

With no clear timeline for full implementation, Dhaka’s commuters remain caught in limbo, waiting for a solution that seems just out of reach.