As the Dhaka metro rail experiences intermittent disruptions, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Company Secretary, Mohammad Abdur Rauf, addresses passenger concerns and offers guidance on handling unexpected interruptions. The disruptions, caused by factors like kites or sky lanterns in electric wires and mechanical malfunctions, have prompted safety concerns among passengers.
Rauf assures that in the event of delays due to technical or human factors, there is no cause for alarm. The metro rail employs Energy Storage System (ESS) technology, allowing it to generate electricity during operation. The braking system continuously charges the train’s batteries, ensuring a reserve power source.
In case of a stoppage between stations, passengers are instructed to remain calm, proceed to the front of the train, and disembark at the nearest station. The metro rail can use its reserve power to reach the station safely. Automatic doors will open upon arrival, giving passengers the option to wait for the system to restart or find alternative transportation.
Announcements inside the trains and on platform screens keep passengers informed about the cause of interruptions. Train operators also communicate directly with passengers to provide guidance and maintain normalcy.
Highlighting the importance of passenger cooperation, Rauf urges adherence to instructions for a safe disembarkation if needed. He emphasizes that the metro system, once connected to the national grid, ensures uninterrupted operation as long as there is electricity in the country.
Passenger testimonials indicate a calm response to sudden disruptions, with passengers following instructions and experiencing a sense of normalcy once the issue is resolved.
Regarding repeated disruptions, Rauf attributes the challenges to an increase in passengers since the full launch in January. He notes that some passengers are still unfamiliar with the metro rail system, leading to coordination issues between passengers and technology.
Despite frustrations among passengers over repeated interruptions, the DMTCL is actively addressing these challenges to enhance the overall metro rail experience.
