Key takeaways:

Minimum recharge: TK 100 (vs 20-taka minimum fare)

Premature exit penalty: TK 100

Machine rejection: TK 500-1,000 notes prohibited

Machine failures: 1 out of 3 machines broken during observation

Previous grace period: 5 minutes (now eliminated)

Dhaka Metro Rail passengers are encountering fresh complications as authorities impose stricter exit rules and vending machines continue malfunctioning, creating queues and confusion during peak hours.

The information was reported by private media correspondent Sakib Howlader on November 17.

Recent policy changes now prohibit passengers from exiting stations without completing journeys. Previously, travellers could leave within five minutes without penalty. Now, premature exits trigger TK 100 fines, forcing many to travel unnecessary distances or pay penalties during emergencies.

Ticket vending machines present additional headaches. Whilst minimum fare remains TK 20 taka for one station, Rapid Pass recharge requires minimum TK 100. Machines display warnings prohibiting TK 500-1,000 notes, demanding exact change. When passengers insert larger denominations, machines immediately reject them. , , , 

"Before, we could recharge TK 20 or 50. That was helpful. People don't always have enough cash on them," one passenger explained. "That option should have been kept."

Machine breakdowns worsen matters. During recent observation, one of three vending machines stood completely out of order. Another temporarily malfunctioned, forcing crowds toward remaining operational units.

"There are three machines. One is already broken. Among remaining two, if one stops working at rush hour, many people get stuck," passengers complained. Machines also reject slightly folded or worn notes, though carrying perfectly fresh currency proves impractical.

Exit restrictions create particular hardship. Passengers entering stations cannot leave without travelling minimum distance. Those lacking sufficient balance must either journey to next station and return, wasting time and money, or pay TK 100 penalties.

"Earlier, if I didn't have enough balance, I could travel to next station and recharge there. Now that option is gone," another commuter said.

Metro rail launched just two years ago promising convenient urban transport. However, mounting complications suggest authorities may be creating more problems whilst attempting solutions.