বাংলাDhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has taken several initiatives to expand commercial activities and increase its own revenue from the metro rail system. The metro rail revenue plan includes food vending machines, retail shops and expanded advertising opportunities.
According to tender documents, DMTCL plans to install food vending machines in non-paid concourse areas at stations between Uttara North and Motijheel. The exact number of machines and their locations across the 16 stations have yet to be finalized. The metro rail revenue initiative has also raised questions at DMTCL board meetings.
The tender terms reportedly include a 5 percent annual increase in rent based on the previous year’s rate. Stakeholders say the condition could create additional pressure on small entrepreneurs amid inflation and rising commodity prices. Clear policies are also needed regarding food quality, pricing, electricity costs, security and cleanliness.
DMTCL is also planning to lease 31 retail shops across 14 stations, excluding Agargaon and Karwan Bazar. The reasons for excluding these two busy stations, as well as details about shop sizes, types and base prices, remain unclear.
The advertising sector is another part of the metro rail revenue expansion plan. Each of the 24 train sets is expected to have 60 illuminated monitors and around 280 non-illuminated advertising spaces. Questions have been raised over whether advertising inside trains could affect passenger movement.
Companies bidding for the advertising contract must reportedly have at least Tk 1 crore in previous-year turnover and two years of advertising experience. The contract also requires one year’s rent to be paid in advance. The impact of these measures on metro rail revenue and passenger services remains to be seen.
Read more: Education News
Read & Join us: YouTube Community
বাংলা
