100 electric buses to be added to Dhaka Nagar Paribahan by this year: Taposh

One hundred new electric buses will be added to Dhaka Nagar Paribahan fleet by this year, said Dhaka South City Corporation(DSCC) Mayor Fazle Noor Taposh on Tuesday.

"We’ll add 100 electric buses through BRTC to Dhaka Nagar Paribahan by this year. Through this, we can take Dhaka forward as an environment-friendly city. We can also get rid air pollution," he said.

Mayor Taposh, also president of Bus Route Rationalization Committee, made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists after the 27th meeting of the committee at Buriganga Hall of Nagar Bhaban.

"Although there are some minor obstacles, Dhaka Nagar Paribahan is moving ahead with flying colours. We are specifically identifying and correcting these minor obstacles,” he said.

Responding to a question regarding the various irregularities by Trans Silva Paribahan on the trial route No 21 (Ghatarchar to Kachpur), Mayor Taposh said, “Trans Silva failed on route 21. This entire route will now be operated by BRTC.”

The BRTC has expressed interest in operating the route, he said adding that the authorities are cancelling route permit of Trans Silva Paribahan.

“We have decided to seize all the pre-approved buses that they had in Dhaka Nagar Paribahan. Route 21 and 26 will be now be operated by BRTC, “ the DSCC mayor added.

Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Haq shed light on city corporation’s plan to rationalize bus routes in Dhaka city.

The mayor claimed the number of buses without fitness on the streets of Dhaka has reduced significantly.

“We have decided to launch a drive against these buses in today’s meeting. DNCC, DSCC, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will jointly conduct drives on routes 21, 22 and 26 respectively from May 21 to June 1, June 11 to June 15 and July 16 to July 20 respectively,” he said.

Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority’s Executive Director Sabiha Parvin, BRTA Charman Nur Mohammad Majumder, BRTC Chairman Md Tajul Islam, DSCC’s Chief Executive Officer Md Mizanur Rahman, DMP’s Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Md. Munibur Rahman, the Chief Engineer of Roads and Highways Department Md Ishak, public transport expert SM Saleh Uddin, Bangladesh, President of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Khandaker Enayet Ullah, President of Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association Ajmal Uddin Ahmed, among others, were present.

Route 21:

Ghatarchar – Mohammadpur – Jigatola -- Press Club – Motijheel – Jatrabari -- Kachpur

Route 27:

Ghatarchar -- Shia Mosque -- Shyamoli -- Agargaon -- Bijoy Sarani -- Mohakhali -- Gulshan-1 -- Rampura Bridge -- Banashree -- Staff Quarters

Route 28:

Mohammadpur Bus Stand -- Jigatola -- Science Lab -- Shahbagh -- Matsha Bhaban -- Kakrail -- Mouchak -- Khilgaon Taltala / Staff Quarter