Relocating the inter-district bus terminals from the capital has been a demand since decades. In most of the developed countries, inter-district buses cannot enter the capital as it creates traffic congestion. But in Bangladesh the scenario is a bit different. Here all the inter-districts bus terminals are located inside the capital.
Thousands of buses from other districts and upazilas of the country pick and drop passengers at the inter-district bus terminals in Mohakhali, Syedabad, Gabtoli, and Fulbaria, which is one of the main reasons behind traffic gridlocks in Dhaka.
According to the Bus Route Rationalization Committee, Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gabtali terminals have a capacity of 1,500 buses. But now 9,298 buses are kept in these three terminals every day. As the terminals are not large enough to accommodate all the buses, several thousand more buses are parked here and there along the roads which contribute to serious traffic snarl disrupting free movement of vehicles and passers-by.
The plan to relocate the inter-district bus terminals will not
be viable without integrating a proper transport system
between the new terminals and the city
Considering the situation it is good to note that four more bus terminals will be built around Dhaka to restore order in the capital's public transport system.
Reportedly, the inter-district buses will bring the passengers up to the bus terminals at the periphery of the city. From there passengers will use city service buses or MRT or other ride services to go to their destinations within the city.
We hope, the decision to relocate the inter-district bus terminals will ease traffic pressure on the city roads. The plan to relocate the inter-district bus terminals will not be viable without a proper transport system between the new terminals and the city. The government must take necessary steps to integrate efficient bus service between terminals and the city.