Dhaka Buses to Come Under Company System in 2.5 Years; Emphasis on EVs

The government plans to bring all bus routes in the capital under a company-based management system within the next two to two-and-a-half years to restore discipline in public transportation, according to Road Transport, Bridges, Shipping and Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam.

Speaking at a Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) dialogue held at the Secretariat on Thursday, the minister also said the government is placing special emphasis on promoting electric vehicles (EVs).

He said separate companies will be formed for each route by bringing together bus owners operating on the same corridor. Under the proposed system, buses on a specific route will have uniform colors, standardized service quality, and valid fitness certifications. Operators will also be required to use designated terminals and bus stops and comply with traffic signals.

According to the minister, bus owners have already begun preparations regarding which companies will operate specific routes.

He noted that the current practice of multiple operators competing on the same route has created significant disorder, including unauthorized stops, disregard for designated terminals, and unsafe competition for passengers. The new system aims to eliminate such practices.

Four Bus Terminals to Be Relocated

The minister announced plans to gradually relocate Dhaka’s four major inter-district bus terminals:

• Sayedabad Bus Terminal will be moved to Kanchpur
• Gabtoli Bus Terminal will be relocated to Hemayetpur
• Mohakhali Bus Terminal will be shifted near the Uttara-Abdullahpur area
• Fulbaria Bus Terminal will be moved to Keraniganj

He said many terminals have effectively become bus depots and repair workshops, where vehicles remain parked for maintenance and repainting instead of serving their intended transportation functions.

The relocation process is expected to be completed within two to two-and-a-half years after the necessary depots and supporting infrastructure are developed.

Roadside Bus Counters to Be Removed

The minister also said roadside bus counters in areas such as Kalyanpur and Kalabagan will be removed gradually.

He explained that the practice of stopping buses in front of counters to pick up and drop off passengers will be discontinued. To reduce inconvenience for travelers, the government plans to improve terminal facilities by introducing better waiting areas, toilets, security arrangements, street lighting, and CCTV surveillance systems.

Implementation efforts are being coordinated with city corporations, metropolitan police authorities, and bus owners’ associations.

No Risk to Padma Bridge from Soil Removal

Responding to concerns about soil excavation near the pillars of the Padma Bridge, the minister said there is no cause for alarm.

He explained that portions of the river had been temporarily filled during construction to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and equipment. Although those temporary embankments were supposed to be removed after completion of the project, the work was delayed.

According to the minister, the ongoing removal of the filled soil has no direct impact on the bridge’s structural safety. Instead, it is expected to improve natural river flow, navigation, and environmental conditions.

He added that engineers and technical experts have reviewed the matter and concluded that the soil removal process is both safe and technically justified.

The minister urged media organizations to verify engineering aspects of infrastructure projects before publishing reports and invited journalists to visit project sites for firsthand assessment when necessary.

//DBTech/JNB/MI/OR//