Dhaka’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) project, set to be completed next year, faces concerns about its impact on other commuters and vehicles. The 20.5km dedicated busway, occupying almost half of the airport-Gazipur road, serves only a fraction of the corridor’s passengers, potentially leading to traffic congestion and longer wait times for other modes of transport. The Asian Development Bank, the project’s primary financier, has raised concerns about the narrowing road space and limited allocation for non-BRT vehicles. Despite these challenges, the BRT system aims to carry 1.88 lakh to 3 lakh daily passengers between Gazipur and Dhaka airports.
The government started the project in 2012 to provide high-quality bus services with dedicated lanes. Initially planned for completion in 2016, it is now projected to finish by December 2024, with the cost revised from Tk2,040 crore to Tk4,268 crore.
However, critics question the decision to purchase standard AC buses instead of articulated buses, which will reduce passenger capacity. Additionally, experts highlight the need for an integrated transportation system to serve passengers with destinations beyond the BRT corridor. Efforts are underway to establish collaborations with other bus routes and the MRT Line-6 to address this issue.
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