According to DMTCL sources, if the metro rail runs at full capacity, a total of 500,000 passengers will travel in it every day and the monthly income will be between Tk 7.20-7.30 billion.
If fares remain unchanged, it will take at least 45 years to recover the construction cost of the metro rail from ticket sales revenue alone. During full-swing operation, the operating cost will be approximately 10 billion taka per year. About 75 percent of the cost will come from ticket sales, while the remaining amount will be generated from rent, advertising and other areas of the Station Plaza shop.
Mustafizur Rahman, distinguished fellow at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), highlighted three different economic perspectives on metro rail. He said the rate of return on investment in such infrastructure is relatively low. If fares are fixed according to investment, passengers will not be able to afford it. The authorities will have to operate it with subsidy.
Secondly, metro rail is very effective for fast movement in traffic congested cities. It has positive economic utility.
Third, there should be transparency and accountability in investment matters in such projects. There is a need to keep an eye on whether the project is being executed at higher cost or not, whether the project is completed on time or not.
He said that if the project is completed cost effectively and on time, its economic benefits are huge.
