Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said that he has requested Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to reconsider the decision of imposing a 15% value added tax (VAT) on metrorail tickets.

“Metrorail is a popular public transport. And we want to make it more popular. So, it should not be a prudent decision to impose a VAT on metrorail tickets,” he said while addressing a programme styled “Branding Seminar on Dhaka Metro-Rail: A Step towards Transforming Transportation” in a Dhaka hotel.

The National Board of Revenue recently announced imposing a 15% VAT on metrorail tickets from July this year.

Quader, also the general secretary of the ruling Awami League, said, “The NBR suddenly announced the imposition of VAT on
metrorail tickets…it was a wrong decision.I informed the prime minister of the issue. The prime minister has assured of reconsidering the matter.”
Mentioning that there is no VAT on metrorail ticket in neighboring India, Quader questioned, “Why will we impose VAT on metro-rail fare?”

Quader also said the construction works of six metro-rail lines, including two underground lines, would be completed by 2030.
“The government has a target that around 52.40 lakh commuters will travel by metro-rail quickly, safely and smoothly every day in 2030,” he continued.

Speaking at the event, DMTCL Managing Director MAN Siddique said the MRT Line-6 was now being extended to Tongi Railway Station, with five stations between Diabari and Tongi.
He said once this part is opened, the metro-rail would be able to transport additional five lakh passengers daily.
The length of this portion from Uttara North to Tongi Railway Station will be 7.5km.