The planned relocation of Saidabad inter-district bus terminal to Kanchpur in Narayanganj has sparked concern among passengers, with many fearing longer journeys and higher travel costs despite the move being aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Dhaka.
A section of the transport operators, however, welcomed the move.
As part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the capital, the Economic Affairs Committee of the Cabinet approved a proposal on Wednesday to relocate Saidabad bus terminal to Kanchpur.
The government has instructed that the new terminal at Kanchpur be made operational within four months. Considering it a matter of urgent national importance, the project will be implemented through the Bangladesh Navy using the Direct Procurement Method, with state-owned Chittagong Dry Dock Limited carrying out the work.
Under the project, infrastructure is being built at an estimated cost of Tk6.88 crore. The new terminal will have a 4,012-square-metre platform, 120 ticket counters, 32 toilets, office rooms, sheds and other necessary facilities.
However, concerns remain among passengers about new travel difficulties due to the arrangement.
Sultana Begum, a passenger on the Barishal-Dhaka route, told TIMES of Bangladesh that Saidabad and Jatrabari were relatively convenient locations for travellers.
“If we have to go to Kanchpur, we will need to travel much farther through Dhaka. It could add two to three hours to our journey along with added sufferings,” she said.
Small trader Rafiqul Islam said the relocation would increase expenses for ordinary people.
Passenger Mohammad Aslam Hossain on the Cumilla-Dhaka route said,
“Entering and leaving Saidabad often meant spending hours stuck in traffic, and that problem may reduce. But now passengers will have to travel to Kanchpur to catch buses. The additional time and transport costs must be considered.”
For passengers from southern districts travelling to Dhaka via the Padma Bridge, the decision has come as a major setback. Many fear the relocation will increase their inconvenience.
Operators see benefits
While passengers remain cautious, many transport workers believe shifting the terminal outside the city could improve bus operations.
Abdur Rahman, a driver on the Dhaka-Sylhet route, said the relocation could benefit bus operators.
“For us, this could be a major relief. Entering Dhaka city means dealing with traffic police and endless congestion. If the terminal is at Kanchpur, we can enter directly from the highway, which may allow us to operate more trips,” he told TIMES.
“However, if ticket counters, toilets and rest facilities for drivers are not properly arranged within four months, we will face serious difficulties there.”
Concerns over infrastructure and workers’ facilities
Private sector employee Fatema Akter questioned whether all facilities could be prepared within four months.
“Women passengers’ safety, adequate toilets, lighting and other basic services must be ensured,” she said.
Long-distance bus supervisor Mohammad Ismail Hossain said the move could make operations easier but increase costs for workers.
“Operating trips may become easier, but accommodation and food costs for workers will rise. If arrangements for workers are not made from the beginning, they may have to spend nights inside buses,” he said.
Minibus driver Mohammad Kalu Mia said, “There is already traffic pressure in Kanchpur. If all Saidabad buses move there, congestion could increase further. Road expansion and other preparations must be completed before the terminal begins operations.”
Roni, a manager of a ticket counter at Saidabad, said businesses operating there for years could face difficulties after relocation.
“However, if implemented through proper planning, we welcome the initiative in the interest of reducing Dhaka’s traffic congestion,” he said.
Saidabad to become passenger-only terminal
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam has announced that Saidabad bus terminal will no longer be used as a garage for buses.
He said the terminal would operate only as a passenger boarding and alighting point, following the model of Kamalapur Railway Station. Except for one or two buses required for immediate passenger service, no buses would be allowed to remain inside the terminal.
Salam made the remarks after inspecting the terminal and conducting an eviction drive there on Thursday.
“We have taken initiatives to restore discipline. Transport owners and workers have been given until 15 July to bring their operations under a systematic framework,” he said.
The DSCC administrator also said Gulistan bus terminal was planned to be relocated to Keraniganj on the other side of the river.
“We are working with the goal of establishing full discipline in Dhaka’s transport system within the next three to four months,” he said.
He added that illegal shops inside the terminal would not be allowed to remain.
