The Bus Route Rationalisation Committee has revived its initiative to bring all buses in Dhaka under the Dhaka Nagar Paribahan system. During a meeting on Saturday, committee president Nazrul Islam, also Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator, announced that all bus companies wishing to operate in the capital must join the Nagar Paribahan network. This renewed effort aims to streamline the city’s chaotic transport system by creating a unified, route-based model.
The initiative, introduced in 2016 by former Dhaka North Mayor Annisul Huq, faced setbacks and never moved beyond a pilot phase. Despite initial optimism, operational challenges, competition from private buses, and a lack of interest from bus owners hindered its expansion.
Now, with renewed commitment, the plan includes operating buses on 42 routes across Dhaka. So far, 80 bus companies have applied to join the system. The Bus Route Rationalisation Committee aims to integrate buses within six months, with full implementation expected within two years.
According to the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), the city’s 7,000 buses fall short of the required 10,000, and there is also a shortage of skilled drivers. The government plans to purchase up to 4,500 new buses to meet the demand. Experts believe consolidating the bus network and reducing competition between operators will lead to a more disciplined and efficient transport system.
However, the transition will take time, and concerns remain about integrating thousands of buses from numerous operators. A special training program for drivers and incentives for bus owners to purchase new vehicles are among the proposed solutions. The committee will meet again on December 11 to finalize the next steps.
