The route extends from Shibbari BRT terminus in Gazipur to the airport and spans 20.5 kilometers and extends another 22 kilometers from the airport to Gulistan.
The 10 AC buses will run under BRTC along the BRT lane. Photo: TBS
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The 10 AC buses will run under BRTC along the BRT lane. Photo: TBS
After a decade-long wait, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has launched its services of 10 air-conditioned (AC) buses on the incomplete Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane despite ongoing construction and unresolved issues.
The service was inaugurated by road transport and bridges adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan at the BRT project’s bus depot in Gazipur’s Shibbari this morning (December 15).
Acknowledging the challenges, Fouzul told reporters: “The project has not been completed within the stipulated time since it started. We have always known that it is a problematic project. Despite several extensions of the deadline, it is still incomplete.”
“This project did not serve any purpose to the people. Therefore, we have launched a trial service of 10 BRTC buses in the BRT file. Issues identified during this trial period will be resolved step by step,” he added.
Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan during the inauguration of BRTC bus service. Photo: TBS
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Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan during the inauguration of BRTC bus service. Photo: TBS
Asked how thousands of workers from various garment factories on both sides will cross the busy highway, the adviser said that due to the reluctance of the contractor company to proceed with the work, the ministry itself will oversee the construction of 10 new foot-over bridges from the airport to Chandna- the intersection.
He said a tender has already been floated to import special buses for the BRT line, which would allow more passengers to travel. He also expressed hope that in future the BRT buses and trains running on the Joydebpur-Dhaka line will be made to run on electric lines, similar to Chittagong.
Fouzul mentioned that currently buses will travel from Shibbari to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport via the BRT line. The buses will then alight at Farmgate via the elevated highway and, like other buses, proceed to Gulistan.
He also stated that apart from BRTC buses, now private vehicles like cars and microbuses will be able to use the BRT lane. This will allow people from Gazipur to travel from their homes in Gazipur to Dhaka for work.
Initially, 10 AC buses will operate under BRTC along the BRT lane, covering a route of 42.5 kilometers.
The route extends from Shibbari BRT terminus in Gazipur to the airport, covering 20.5 kilometers, and extends another 22 kilometers from the airport to Gulistan.
The 10 AC buses will run under BRTC along the BRT lane. Photo: TBS
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The 10 AC buses will run under BRTC along the BRT lane. Photo: TBS
The fare for travel between Shib Bari and the airport has been set at Tk70, while travel from Shibbari to Gulistan will cost Tk140.
The number of buses will be increased in response to passenger demand and full availability of stations along the route.
The government has sought the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of the AC bus service in the BRT corridor.
This service is expected to provide a convenient and efficient transport option for commuters while addressing growing traffic problems in the region.
