The highly anticipated BRT project has officially launched its bus service.
To mark Victory Day, the service was inaugurated today (sunday) at 8:30 am with 10 AC buses operated by BRTC.
The launch of the 10 buses from Shibbari in Gazipur was led by Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The event was chaired by Md. Ehsanul Haque, Senior Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.
Adviser Fouzul remarked, "Although the project is not fully completed, its launch will still offer some transportation convenience to the public."
He said, "We know that the BRT project has been struggling. The timeline has been extended multiple times, yet the work remains unfinished. The project hasn’t benefited the public so far. Therefore, as a pilot initiative, we’ve launched a bus service with 10 BRTC AC buses on the BRT lane. The remaining work will continue gradually."
"Due to the reluctance of the contractor to proceed, we will complete the remaining work, including the construction of ten new foot-over bridges, under the ministry's direct supervision. Tenders have already been called for special buses on the BRT lane, and once those are in place, more passengers will be able to use the service," he added.
The event also included remarks from BRTC Chairman Md. Tazul Islam , Managing Director of the BRT project Md Moniruzzaman, and Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, among others.
BRTC Chairman Md. Tazul Islam said, "Initially, 10 AC buses will operate. If demand increases, the number of buses will be expanded. The fare for the AC buses is 70 taka from Gazipur to the airport, and 70 taka from the airport to Gulistan."
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
