The History of Public Transit in Dhaka: From Rickshaws to Metro
Dhaka, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, has always been a place of movement, hustle, and resilience. From its early days as a Mughal outpost to its rise as the capital of Bangladesh, the city’s public transit system has continuously evolved to meet the needs of its growing population. This evolution—from rickshaws to a state-of-the-art metro rail system—is not just about technology; it’s a story of urban survival and innovation.
The Reign of Rickshaws and Rickety Roads
For most of the 20th century, Dhaka's streets were dominated by the iconic cycle rickshaw—a three-wheeled human-powered vehicle introduced during the British colonial period. Rickshaws became the lifeblood of the city, weaving through narrow streets and crowded neighborhoods. By the early 2000s, Dhaka had over 400,000 registered rickshaws, making it the rickshaw capital of the world.
While charming and eco-friendly, rickshaws also contributed to traffic congestion. Their slow pace couldn’t match the demands of a modern city with millions of daily commuters. Public buses emerged in the mid-20th century, but inconsistent service, poor maintenance, and traffic snarls limited their effectiveness.
The Bus Era and the Rise of Congestion
In the 1980s and 1990s, the government and private companies introduced more formalized bus services, including double-decker and mini-buses. However, unlike cities such as New York or Chicago, where centralized transit authorities like the MTA coordinate transit efforts, Dhaka’s system remained fragmented.
Unlike the United States, which built vast highway systems after WWII and expanded commuter rail to suburbs, Dhaka’s roads remained narrow and overburdened. The lack of infrastructure investment and regulation led to a chaotic and often unsafe transit environment. It became clear that an overhaul was necessary.
Early Attempts at Modernization
In the early 2000s, Dhaka experimented with the concept of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, similar to models in Latin America and some U.S. cities like Cleveland and Los Angeles. However, progress was slow and plagued by mismanagement and delays.
The introduction of CNG auto-rickshaws offered a cleaner and faster alternative to traditional rickshaws, but again, they only added to the congestion. Public pressure for a mass rapid transit system began to mount, especially as other Asian cities—such as Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta—launched successful metro systems.
A Game Changer: Dhaka Metro Rail
After years of planning and international collaboration, particularly with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dhaka finally inaugurated its first metro rail line—MRT Line 6—on December 29, 2022. The system marked a monumental shift in the city’s transit landscape.
Today, MRT Line 6 runs from Uttara North to Motijheel, serving thousands of passengers daily with 16 elevated stations, modern infrastructure, and a peak frequency of one train every 6 minutes. For comparison, New York City’s subway, one of the oldest in the world, launched in 1904 and now has over 400 stations. While Dhaka's metro is still in its infancy, the vision is clear: a connected, efficient, and sustainable city.
The metro is now a symbol of hope—offering not just faster commutes but cleaner air, reduced traffic, and a glimpse into a better urban future.
What Lies Ahead
The future of transit in Dhaka looks ambitious. With several other metro lines under construction or in planning—including MRT Lines 1, 2, 4, and 5—the goal is to establish a vast interconnected network by the early 2030s. Underground routes, airport connectors, and interchanges will dramatically reduce travel time across the city.
The city is also introducing smart ticketing systems, park-and-ride options, and integrated multimodal transport plans. These improvements mirror developments in major global cities like Washington D.C., Tokyo, and London.
Final Thoughts
Dhaka’s public transit story is one of evolution, struggle, and resilience. From the clattering wheels of hand-pulled rickshaws to the high-speed hum of the metro rail, the city’s journey mirrors its people—adaptable, determined, and always moving forward.
As the metro expands and new systems come online, Dhaka is redefining what it means to be a smart, connected, and livable megacity. For those interested in learning more or riding the metro, visit the official site at www.dhakametro.org.