PM Tarique prioritises footpaths, electric buses, monorail for Dhaka

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said his government will prioritise pedestrian-friendly and low-emission transport in Dhaka, with plans to widen footpaths, introduce electric buses and build monorail systems in densely populated areas.

During a meeting with transport expert Shamsul Hoque at the Secretariat yesterday, Tarique also stressed the need to rationalise spending in ongoing metro rail projects to ensure better value for public funds.

After the meeting, Hoque, also a civil engineering professor at Buet, told TBS that the prime minister cited London as an example, noting its 20km speed limits, reduced lane widths, road pricing and limited parking to encourage walking and public transport use.

Electrification of buses also featured prominently in the discussion, said Hoque. "The prime minister said future bus procurements will prioritise electric vehicles and incentives would be offered to accelerate the transition."

Tarique observed that current registration fees are not friendly to electric vehicles. Owners replacing old combustion-engine vehicles with electric ones could receive reduced fees or direct government incentives.

Monorail system

The prime minister also highlighted the need for monorail systems in densely populated neighbourhoods where heavy metro infrastructure is difficult to install, Prof Hoque told TBS.

Hoque said they discussed how densely populated areas cannot easily accommodate large metro lines. "In such locations, affordable and quicker-to-build monorail could serve as complementary systems."

He added that monorail systems in countries such as Japan and China operate through dense urban environments using pneumatic wheels that reduce vibration and noise.

Hoque at the meeting highlighted that metro rail alone cannot solve Dhaka's transport crisis. An ecosystem combining MRT, LRT, monorail, BRT and bus franchising is required, rather than reliance on a single high-cost solution.

Rationalising metro costs, monorail

Prof Hoque said the prime minister also instructed that ongoing metro rail projects should continue, but at rationalised costs. "He stressed that public funds must be used prudently and that abnormally high bids should be re-tendered under competitive processes."

Data from Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited show that MRT Line-1, originally approved at Tk52,561 crore, has attracted bids nearing Tk96,000 crore. Tunnel packages under MRT Line-5 North, budgeted at Tk3,000 to Tk4,000 crore, received bids ranging from Tk11,000 to Tk15,000 crore. DMTCL has since halted procurement for two major lines to revise proposals amid concerns over abnormal cost escalation.

The prime minister also spoke of decentralising Dhaka and strengthening rail-based connectivity with surrounding districts. He noted that flyovers alone cannot eliminate congestion and that mass transport must form the backbone of the city.

Funding options beyond traditional government-to-government arrangements are being explored, Hoque said. The prime minister also reiterated interest in redevelopment along the Buriganga riverfront.

He suggested that block-based redevelopment, rather than piecemeal land acquisition, could create space for roads, community facilities and modern amenities through equity-sharing high-rise projects.

Tarique orders women-only bus service in Dhaka

Speaking at the Secretariat after the meeting, Prof Hoque said the prime minister wants electric buses introduced within 180 days, particularly to ensure safer travel for women. He proposed that women operate these services as part of a disciplined and modernised public transport system.

Tarique also met Road Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Islam at the Secretariat, where he instructed the minister to introduce the dedicated bus service for women in the capital, said Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

"The road transport and bridges minister met the prime minister. The prime minister enquired about the condition of the road transport sector and gave necessary directives," Rumon said.

He said the prime minister specifically instructed the minister to launch a women-only bus service in Dhaka to make public transport safer and more comfortable for female passengers.

Rumon also said the prime minister directed the housing and public works minister to complete renovation and development work at the grave of former president Ziaur Rahman in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar before Eid-ul-Fitr.