BRT project launched on Shibbari-Dhaka route

The operation of BRTC AC buses on the Shibbari-Dhaka-Gazipur BRT lane, managed by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), has officially begun. At the same time, two pairs of commuter train services were inaugurated on the Gazipur-Dhaka rail route.

Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, inaugurated the two services on Sunday morning (December 15).

The inaugural ceremony for the train service was held at 6:30 am at the Joydebpur Railway Junction. Among those present were Md. Fahimul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways, and Md. Afzal Hossain, Director General of Bangladesh Railway.

Later, at 8:30 AM, the adviser inaugurated the operation of BRTC AC buses on the BRT lane, running from Dhaka to Shibbari, Gazipur. The launch event, held at the Shibbari BRT Station, was presided over by Md. Ehsanul Haque, Senior Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

Also present were Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Director General of BRTA; Tazul Islam, Chairman of BRTC; Nafisa Arifin, Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur; and Md. Ibrahim Khan, Commissioner (Traffic) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, among others.

In his speech, Fauzul Kabir said, “Although the work is not yet completed, we have inaugurated this service to provide some convenience to people’s travel.”

He added, "The BRT is a Rupnagar project, as we have known from the beginning. Despite multiple deadline extensions, the work remains incomplete. This project was not benefiting the people, which is why we've launched this service on a trial basis with 10 BRTC buses to serve the nation. The remaining work on the BRT lane will continue progressively and will be completed in due course."

He further mentioned, “As the contractor expressed reluctance to continue, the ministry will complete the remaining tasks, including building ten new foot overbridges and other infrastructure, under its direct supervision. A tender has already been called for special buses for the BRT lane. Once those buses arrive, they will accommodate even more passengers.”

Expressing hope for the future, he said, “We aim to operate the BRT lane buses on electric lines and ensure that trains also run on electric tracks.”

Sources indicate that initially, 10 BRTC AC buses will operate from the Shibbari BRT Terminal in Gazipur to the Airport on the BRT lane, covering a 20.5 km route. Additionally, from the Airport to Gulistan, covering 22 km, a total of 42.5 km will be served. The fare from Shivbari to the Airport is set at Tk 70, while from Shibbari to Gulistan, it is Tk 140. The number of buses will be increased later based on passenger demand and the readiness of all stations. The BRTC AC buses will operate exclusively on the BRT corridor.

During the inauguration of the commuter train services, the adviser stated, “Two pairs of commuter trains have been launched to facilitate smooth travel for passengers commuting from Gazipur to Dhaka for work. Starting March 26, additional commuter trains will be introduced on the Dhaka-Narsingdi, Narsingdi-Dhaka, Dhaka-Narayanganj, and Narayanganj-Dhaka routes. These two pairs of commuter trains will operate daily to meet passenger demand. This service will be especially convenient for regular commuters traveling between Gazipur and Dhaka.”

The adviser further mentioned that these commuter trains have been introduced to ensure smooth travel for passengers who commute daily from Gazipur to Dhaka. Based on passenger demand, the two pairs of commuter trains will now operate regularly.

This service will greatly benefit those who travel daily between Dhaka and Gazipur for work, allowing passengers to easily commute to Dhaka from Gazipur for their office needs.