Buses of Nagar Paribahan, under the route rationalisation project, were launched on two new routes in Dhaka today – aiming to streamline the public transport sector and reduce traffic jam in the city.
There will be 50 Nagar Paribahan buses traveling on each route – route 22 Ghatarchar to Demra Staff Quarters and route 26 Ghatarchar to Kadamtali.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the service on the new routes in Mohammadpur this noon.
Read: Nagar Paribahan buses to ply two new routes from Oct 13
Welcoming this initiative, Quader said, “Transport discipline, road discipline – these are the challenges for us. This challenge must be overcome.”
Mentioning the importance of bringing order in public transport to provide benefits of development to the people, he said, “If there is no order on the roads, there is no order in the transport sector.”
Bus services on route 26 are operated by Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) while on route 22 by a private organization, said mayor of Dhaka South, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh.
New buses will be launched on all new routes of Dhaka city gradually under this service, he added. “We are hopeful to launch this service on route 23 in November.”
Besides, no bus will be allowed to move without a route permit. Bus of one route cannot move on another, warned Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam at the event.
Read: Nagar Paribahan service resumes in Khulna city after 2 years
He said, “We have to be strict considering passengers’ interest.”
“Those who come to this bus route franchise will benefit. Other buses cannot be allowed to run on these routes, for this reason BRTA and DMP’s cooperation is needed.”
The ‘Dhaka Nagar Paribahan’ service was launched on a trial basis last December, under the bus route rationalisation project of the two Dhaka city corporations.
Source: United News of Bangladesh