TDS Desk:

Bangladesh spent BDT 42.68 billion to build the Airport–Gazipur Bus Rapid Transit corridor (BRT). Doubts are now growing over whether the project will deliver meaningful benefits due to planning and design flaws as construction nears completion. The government now plans to open the corridor to general traffic in return for tolls, abandoning the idea of a bus-only route.

Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit PLC has carried out a survey on toll collection. It estimates annual toll revenue of about BDT 330 million, against operating costs of roughly BDT 50 million a year. At that rate, it would take more than 150 years to recover the construction cost.

A defining feature of the BRT corridor is a dedicated lane for buses. Globally, such corridors are popular because they are cheaper and faster to build than rail-based mass transit, while offering uninterrupted service similar to metro rail. Transport experts say Bangladesh has turned the relatively simple concept into an overly complex project. Field-level work has taken nearly eight years, far longer than expected, and the cost has drawn scrutiny.

During construction, the Dhaka–Gazipur BRT project became synonymous with deadly accidents, poor management, waterlogging, and prolonged public suffering. Flawed planning and weak design raised concerns from the outset about whether the corridor would function as intended. Those fears have sharpened as the project approaches completion. Stakeholders now warn that once fully operational, the BRT corridor could worsen congestion and disorder on the Dhaka–Gazipur road.

The interim government moved to address design faults and proposed additional spending of BDT 23.29 billion to fix them. That cost increase, however, did not receive approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council. At a subsequent meeting, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud said the government was considering allowing general vehicles to use the BRT lanes and charging tolls instead.

“A lot of money has already been spent on the BRT,” he said. “At least some of it can be recovered through tolls.”

Earlier, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser in charge of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry, also signalled plans to collect tolls from the corridor. On December 21, when asked about progress, he advised discussing the issue with the BRT company’s management.

Md Mohiuddin, general manager of Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit, told journalists that toll collection was still at the survey stage. “We are examining the technical aspects of toll collection,” he said.

The government set up Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit PLC as a state-owned company to build and operate the capital’s BRT corridor. Its board has approved a toll rate of BDT 100.

Officials at the road transport and bridges ministry said the company’s 40th board meeting decided on overall preparations for toll collection. Following that decision, a proposal has been sent to the ministry. Authorities are coordinating with Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Gazipur Metropolitan Police, and the Roads and Highways Department to install metal fencing along the corridor and put traffic management measures in place.

Work on the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport project, which includes the BRT corridor, began in 2017. At BDT 42.68 billion, the project delivered a 20.5-kilometre BRT lane, 25 stations, and related infrastructure. Although infrastructure works are almost complete, uncertainty hangs over how the corridor will operate.

Those involved in the project say public hardship could worsen once the BRT becomes fully operational. Pedestrians may lose access to footpaths and be unable to cross the road easily. Vehicles and other forms of transport will also face restrictions on changing lanes or directions when needed.

Earlier, the planning adviser described the project as “strange” and “monstrous” and said the authorities would look into those responsible for initiating and implementing it.