Nagar Paribahan buses to run in coordination with metro rail

In another move to reduce traffic pressure in the capital, authorities are planning to operate Dhaka Nagar Paribahan buses in coordination with the metro rail from Uttara’s Diabari to Ghatarchar in Keraniganj.

They decided to launch two new routes – route 24 and 25 -- between the stations with 50 buses within five months.

The move, expected to further ease the commuting pressure on metro rail passengers, has been decided in the latest meeting of the Bus Route Rationalisation Committee (BRRC) on Tuesday, according to city officials.

Each route will have 25 green coloured buses, said Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, adding that the authorities will soon issue tenders in this regard.

Mayor Taposh, who is also the president of BRRC, further said the meeting also discussed the current state of Nagar Paribahan services.

He said the authorities identified some irregularities in the bus franchising initiative, including availing the service without tickets and decided to take stern actions against such activities.

Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md Atiqul Islam said, “Passengers of the metro rail will be able to travel on all Nagar Paribahan buses with the same rapid pass they use to avail the rail service by June.”

The DNCC mayor said the planned routes have been designed in coordination with the MRT line 6.

“For example, route number 24 will connect six metro rail stations. The metro rail passengers who will catch the train from Uttara will be able to go there by these buses, while after getting off they will be able to go to Mohammadpur area,” he said.

Speaking about the existing routes, Mayor Atiqul said, “Every day around 30,000 passengers commute on route 21, 22 and 26. The authorities have earned more than Tk 7 crore from these routes.

“This means, passengers like the service. We are trying to provide them with smoother service in the future.”

Officials said the buses for the planned route 24 will run from Ghatarchar to Bosila - Mohammadpur Bus Stand - Shishu Mela - Agargaon – Kalshi via Mirpur 10 Flyover to Airport – Jasimuddin –Abdullahpur.

On route 25, buses will operate from Ghatarchar to Basila- Mohammadpur bus stand- Asadgate- Manik Mia Avenue via Khamarbari via Bijoy Soroni to Jahangir Gate- Shaheen School- Mahakhali- Kakoli- Regency- Airport- Jasimuddin- Abdullahpur.