Dhaka Metro will add two additional trains by the end of August to reduce nighttime crowding and improve passenger convenience, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited said on Wednesday. The move is expected to cut the 20-minute gap between the final trains to about seven to eight minutes. Currently, the last train from Motijheel toward Uttara departs at 10:30pm, while the final service from Uttara to Motijheel leaves at 9:50pm.

DMTCL also plans to extend metro operating hours by another 20 to 30 minutes from September, with services intended to run until 11pm. Recruitment and training of drivers for the extended schedule are nearly complete. The metro currently carries about 450,000 passengers a day, according to the company.

Nighttime service in both directions was extended by 20 minutes from June 7, increasing passenger numbers by about 10,000. However, the 20-minute interval between late services has created additional congestion. DMTCL said new operators have been recruited to support the longer hours, and their training is scheduled to conclude on August 26 before they are assigned to work.