Dhaka Nagar Paribahan kicks off journey with 50 buses

Under the bus route rationalisation, Dhaka Nagar Paribahan started its pilot operation on Sunday with 50 buses.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the programme virtually at Mohammadpur in the capital.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam, Md Sadek Khan, parliament member of Dhaka 13, among others, were also present during the inauguration ceremony.

Initially, the Dhaka Nagar Paribahan will be operating with 50 buses from Ghatarchar to Kanchpur- a 21 kilometre route.

The route also covers Bosila, Mohammadpur, Shankar, Jhigatola, Science Laboratory, Elephant Road, Shahbagh, Paltan, and Motijheel.

For the first time, the drivers of the route will have uniforms alongside an e-ticketing system for the passengers.

In his speech, the DSCC mayor said they had to experience numerous ups and downs to reach the goal that is being implemented today.

“We also took opinions from the experts, the staffers of both the city corporations have worked continuously. Also, other stakeholders have worked non-stop to make it happen. We aim to materialise the dream to bring discipline in the mass transport system by 2023.”

For the first in the history of the country that the bus drivers are having uniforms, he said.

The mayor also advised the drivers to be disciplined while carrying passengers and driving and follow the guidelines of e-ticketing. He also warned that no unauthorised buses will be able to ply in the route.

“The initiative begins with 50 buses, and gradually we will launch 100 buses. But if necessary, the number of buses will be increased as well after analysing the needs of the passengers,” said Taposh, the DSCC mayor.

Seeking support from the mass media, the DSCC mayor said, “Please point out the mistakes for further improvement. But do not publish anything that cause confusion or create obstacle.”

Among the buses, 30 are BRTC double-deckers and 20 are from Trans Silva Paribahan. And the passengers have to pay Tk 2.15 as fare per kilometre. Forty passenger sheds and 16 bus bays cover the entire Dhaka Nagar Paribahan route.