Dhaka's Public Transport Revolution: All City Buses Now Under Dhaka Nagar Paribahan

The Dhaka Nagar Paribahan initiative, aimed at bringing discipline to Dhaka's mass transport system, will soon require all buses to operate under a single company. Announced by Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam on November 11, this move follows years of challenges and delays. Initially introduced by former Dhaka North Mayor Annisul Huq in 2016, the plan merges 291 bus routes into 42 and aims to streamline operations by establishing six color-coded bus clusters. Despite efforts, the initiative has struggled due to lack of enthusiasm from bus owners. As of now, 80 bus companies have applied to join, with the application deadline set for November 30. A committee will be formed to finalize the business model by December. Although some progress was made with the introduction of 30 buses from BRTC and plans for additional private buses, the response from private operators has been slow. The goal is to create a unified and efficient bus service, but progress has been hindered by limited participation and logistical challenges.