Metro rail service to stay shut Saturday, Sunday

Commercial operation of the metro rail from Uttara to Agargaon will be kept closed on Saturday and Sunday next to integrate the system of entire 20.1 kilometre corridor of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line- 6, said the authorities.
Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) at a press conference on Tuesday said as the MRT-6 from Uttara to Agargaon is under operation, it is now needed to integrate this part with the other part from Agargaon to Motijheel.
He added the final integration test will be carried out for three days along with weekly holiday of Friday between the two parts of the MRT-6 to ensure smooth commercial operation of the entire corridor after the inauguration.
However, the MD could not confirm the date of inauguration of the MRT's second part from Agargaon to Motijheel.
"We do not know any confirmed date for the inauguration, but unofficially it may be on October 28," he told the journalists in reply to questions as confusion has arisen after Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader announced October 23 as new date of inauguration.
DMTCL had earlier announced October 20 for the inauguration of the second part of the MRT 6 after getting confirmation from the Prime Minister's Office.
The MD said integration test of the second part is the final part for taking preparation for the inauguration.
He added though the Uttara-Agargaon part of MRT 6 will be operated as usual from 8am to 8pm, the Agargaon-Motijheel part will be operated for three hours from 8pm from the following day of inauguration.
DMTCL has planned to open three stations- Farmgate, Secretariat and Motijheel- at the beginning and will add the Dhaka University station shortly.
But the MD said within next three months after the inauguration, both time and number of other stations will be opened for the passengers.
"From the day of commercial operation of metro rail from Agargaon to Motijheel, number of stations and time will gradually be increased in highest three months," he assured the journalists when they shared people's demand of early start of the first train before 8am to facilitate office goers.
He also said MRT operation will gradually be continued all seven days adding that this time has been necessary to complete electric and telecommunication work of some stations.

smunima@yahoo.com