Home ›› 27 Dec 2021 ›› Front
The much awaited Dhaka Nagar Paribahan has launched its pilot operation on Sunday to help mitigate commuters’ suffering, and ensure discipline in the capital’s transportation system.
Fifty new buses – 20 of Trans Sliva and 30 of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation – will carry passengers from Ghatarchar to Kanchpur via Motijheel and Signboard routes.
Virtually inaugurating the service at the Mohammadpur BRTC Counter on Sunday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, “More routes will be introduced in phases, as this service has just begun.
“We have plans introduce 42 more routes to boost the public transport services in Dhaka, as well as in Narsingdi, Manikganj, Narayanganj and Gazipur.”
He added, “We have a long way go, and this is just the beginning. [The ministry] will provide all kinds of cooperation to help build a disciplined and modern public transportation system. We have plans to bring the entire city under this service by 2023.”
Dhaka South Mayor Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh and Dhaka North Mayor Atiqul Islam, lawmaker of Dhaka 13 Md Sadek Khan were present on the occasion among many others.
For the first time ever in Bangladesh, drivers of this route will wear uniforms, and the busses will haves an e-ticketing system for passengers.
Initially, the Dhaka Nagar Paribahan will operate with 50 buses on a 21 kilometre route from Ghatarchar to Kanchpur. The route also covers Bosila, Mohammadpur, Shankar, Jhigatola, Science Laboratory, Elephant Road, Shahbagh, Paltan, and Motijheel.
At the event, Dhaka North Mayor Atiqul Islam said, “Due to the lack of a well-planned transportation system, an unhealthy competition exists among the bus operators of different companies, and this is turn causes accidents.
“Therefore, it is necessary to gradually restore order in the transport system of this city.”
Meanwhile, Dhaka South Mayor Taposh said, “We had to experience numerous ups and downs to reach the goal that is being implemented today [Sunday]. We also collected opinions from experts.
“The staffers from both the city corporations and other stakeholders have worked continuously to make this project a reality.” The mayor advised the drivers to be disciplined while driving, carrying passengers, and following the guidelines of e-ticketing. He also warned that no unauthorised buses will be able to ply this route.
Seeking support from the media, Taposh said, “Please point out mistakes to allow further improvement. But do not publish anything that causes confusion or create hurdles.”
