Dhaka: State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid announced today that initiatives are underway to relocate the four bus terminals at Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, and Gulistan. This move aims to ease ongoing traffic congestion in the city by utilizing existing depots and expanding alternative terminal options.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, discussions during a meeting of the national committee on traffic congestion in Greater Dhaka focused on expanding an alternative terminal at Gabtoli, removing illegal structures in Narayanganj and Gazipur, and enhancing terminals managed by city corporations. Habibur Rashid highlighted the necessity of coordinated action by relevant agencies to ensure the timely implementation of these decisions.
The state minister emphasized that the excessive pressure of buses and public transport is a major contributor to traffic congestion in Dhaka. Plans have been proposed to reduce reliance on existing terminals by using alternative locations such as Kanchpur and Purbachal. Discussions also covered the potential expansion of the Gabtoli terminal and the rapid utilization of adjacent areas to alleviate transport pressures at the city's entry points.
Illegal structures around Dhaka, including those in Narayanganj and Gazipur, were identified as contributors to traffic jams. The meeting addressed the need to remove these structures to facilitate smoother vehicular movement. Rashid stressed that easing congestion requires not only initiatives within the capital but also improved transport links between Dhaka and its surrounding areas.
The meeting concentrated on the four bus terminals, exploring their management, relocation possibilities, and the role of city corporations. Initiatives to improve city-managed terminals were discussed, including the establishment of bus counters and necessary facilities for passengers to enhance transport management.
The meeting also considered allowing air-conditioned buses to use designated terminals, with decisions made to coordinate locations and arrangements for bus counters and other facilities with city corporations and transport stakeholders. Rashid noted that merely widening roads would not resolve traffic issues; an integrated approach considering terminal management, bus operations, parking, and vehicle flow is crucial.
Progress on previously adopted measures under the traffic congestion mitigation policy was reviewed, with a call to expedite work in areas of slow implementation. The meeting emphasized increasing coordination among institutions and completing tasks within set timeframes.
Rashid reiterated the government's commitment to easing traffic congestion through coordinated efforts among ministries, city corporations, transport agencies, and other stakeholders. With a significant portion of the capital's population relying on public transport, proper management of bus terminals and counters is essential to reducing road pressure and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
The government's plan includes developing infrastructure for public transport in areas surrounding Dhaka to decrease the improper stopping and parking of buses on major roads. Future measures to complement ongoing initiatives were discussed, alongside decisions for necessary administrative and coordination efforts to accelerate project implementation.
The meeting was attended by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, city corporation administrators, secretaries, and senior officials from the ministry and other relevant ministries.