Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed relevant authorities to take necessary action against the operation of unauthorised double-decker sleeper buses across the country.
The directive was issued on Saturday during a key meeting chaired by Tarique at his Tejgaon office, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Dhaka, modernising the traffic system, and restoring discipline to the transport sector.
TIMES of Bangladesh published a report on 19 August titled “Double-deckers on single chassis: Death traps on wheels,” highlighting that hundreds of double-decker sleeper coaches illegally built on single-decker chassis are operating on highways, raising serious safety concerns and exposing gaps in monitoring by the authorities.
Saturday’s meeting featured detailed discussions on the capital’s ongoing traffic situation, vehicular pressure on major roads and flyovers, public transport management, bus terminal reorganisation, parking facility development, and the modernisation of traffic management.
New policies and relocations
According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, a decision has been taken to formulate a separate policy to make auto-rickshaw operations in Dhaka city more disciplined and regulated.
To further alleviate traffic congestion in the capital, Tarique directed the relocation of the Karwan Bazar kitchen market to Gabtoli, instructing relevant stakeholders to initiate the necessary actions.
In a bid to manage vehicular pressure around the Secretariat and maintain normal traffic flow on adjacent roads, the meeting discussed the improvement of parking facilities. It was decided to examine the feasibility of using the Osmani Memorial Hall for parking, whilst also searching for alternative parking spaces as required.
Flyovers and terminal reorganisation
The prime minister also directed that measures be determined to resolve long-standing traffic congestion around the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover.
He instructed the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to review its existing report on the matter and submit a fresh report with necessary recommendations within the next 15 days.
This initiative will be implemented through co-ordination between the City Corporation and the Traffic Police.
To bring greater order to Dhaka’s public transport system, the meeting decided to relocate the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj. The Ministry of Local Government will acquire the necessary land to implement this project.
Relocating the terminal is expected to play an effective role in easing traffic congestion by reducing the pressure of buses and inter-district vehicles inside the capital.
As constructing a permanent bus terminal is a long-term project, it was decided to build a temporary bus terminal on 15 acres of land within the Jhilmil project within the next four months.
Additionally, the meeting decided to expand the rear portion of the Gabtoli Bus Terminal to increase its capacity and ensure more effective vehicle management. Tarique directed all relevant bodies, including the Road Division and Traffic Police, to work in a co-ordinated manner for its swift implementation.
Digital toll collection
To modernise and speed up toll collection through technology, the meeting decided to introduce Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems at expressway and flyover toll plazas. A mobile application will also be developed for this purpose.
Tarique directed the relevant authorities to complete the implementation of this system within the next four months.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, Member of Parliament for Pabna-5 Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam.
The cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the prime minister, and other high-ranking officials were also present.
