Dhaka, Sep 17 (V7N): Dhaka's metro rail will begin operating on Fridays starting 20 September, catering to passenger demand, according to Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

Speaking to the media today, Rouf confirmed that efforts are underway to launch metro services on Fridays, in line with a decision by the Ministry of Transport. He added that Kazipara station is expected to open for passengers the same day, as preparations for its operations are nearly complete.

The decision comes after vandalism during the 'Complete Shutdown' protest by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement on 19 July, which damaged Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations, leading to their closure for 37 days. Both stations had their ticket vending machines and entry systems destroyed, halting operations until repairs could be made.

While metro services resumed on 25 August, these two stations remained closed. DMTCL has since been working to repair and reopen them, with Kazipara expected to become operational by 20 September, while Mirpur-10 will require a few more months for repairs.

Earlier estimates placed the cost of repairs at Tk300 crore, but a review committee was formed to reassess the figure. Rouf mentioned that procuring local equipment could reduce costs, and a final estimate will be provided once the committee submits its report.

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