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The government has taken steps to quickly relocate four of the capital’s busiest bus terminals in an effort to reduce Dhaka’s long-standing traffic congestion.
The terminals identified for relocation are *Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, and Gulistan*. Alongside this, authorities are also planning to use existing depots as alternative terminals.
The announcement was made by State Minister for Road Transport and Highways, *Habibur Rashid*, on Sunday, September 6, following a meeting of the National Committee formed to address traffic congestion in Greater Dhaka. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division at the Secretariat.
The minister said the meeting reviewed the progress of implementation of existing policies and action plans aimed at reducing traffic jams.
“We have identified the tasks that need to be implemented quickly and have instructed the relevant agencies to work in a coordinated manner,” he said.
According to the minister, one of the main causes of congestion in the capital is the excessive pressure of buses and other public transport operating inside the city. To reduce this pressure, the government is planning to decrease reliance on the current terminals and shift operations to alternative locations and depots.
Several areas on the outskirts of Dhaka, including *Kanchpur and Purbachal*, are being examined as potential sites for the new terminals. The possibility of expanding the existing Gabtoli Bus Terminal was also discussed during the meeting.
“To reduce the pressure of vehicles at the entry points of the capital, we are prioritizing the rapid development of alternative infrastructure,” Habibur Rashid said.The minister added that initiatives will also be taken to remove illegal structures built on roads in areas surrounding Dhaka, including *Narayanganj and Gazipur*.
He stressed that easing congestion inside the city alone will not be enough.
“Connectivity between Greater Dhaka and the capital must also be given importance. For this, we need to remove obstacles on important roads and highways and bring discipline to the movement of public transport,” he said.
#### *Focus on Facilities and Management*
The meeting included detailed discussions on the current management of the four bus terminals, the feasibility of relocating them, the scope of using depots, and the role of the respective city corporations.
Issues such as upgrading terminals under city corporation management, setting up bus counters, and ensuring necessary passenger facilities were also addressed. Special emphasis was placed on creating opportunities for designated terminals for air-conditioned buses.
Officials said that once implemented, the relocation and improved management of terminals are expected to ease traffic flow at key entry and exit points of Dhaka and improve the overall commuting experience for millions of passengers.
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