Dhaka, May 15 -- Dhaka's metro rail is operating at a daily loss of nearly 47 per cent, raising concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the capital's high-profile mass-transit project, according to officials at Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).

The state-owned operator reports the average daily ticket sales amount to Tk 6.68 million, while daily operational and maintenance costs stand at Tk 12.5 million. This leaves a daily shortfall of Tk 5.8 million - almost half the total operating expenses.

Officials from DMTCL's revenue division said the deficit is currently being covered, at least partially, from the original development budget of the metro rail project.

The 21-kilometre metro rail line - stretching fro...