BRTC Users in the Era of Electric Buses

The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has taken steps to introduce electric buses as part of the government’s plan to modernize public transport and reduce pollution. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed interest in introducing an electric bus-based system within 180 days to restore order in Dhaka’s public transport. The broader plan includes an integrated transport system, improved safety for women, environment-friendly vehicles and zone-based pilot projects.

BRTC plans to introduce 200 electric buses in phases, along with charging stations and other required infrastructure. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given in-principle approval to procure the buses and related facilities through direct procurement. In the first phase, 100 buses will be procured, with 50 planned from Pragati Industries Limited and 50 from Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF). BRTC has sought Tk 8 billion in government financing for the overall project, including Tk 4 billion for the first phase.

The corporation also plans to make several depots suitable for electric bus operations. These include Motijheel, Mirpur, Kalyanpur, Gabtoli and Joarsahara in Dhaka, along with depots in Gazipur, Narayanganj and Narsingdi. The facilities will require charging stations, adequate power connections, parking and maintenance arrangements. A feasibility study is being conducted by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to identify technically and financially suitable routes for the electric buses.

BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Mollah, an additional secretary, told Inqilab that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the introduction of an electric bus-based system to restore order in Dhaka’s public transport. He said the project is linked to the government’s broader plan to modernize urban transport. The authorities are also preparing technical specifications for the buses. Battery capacity, driving range, charging time, battery life, passenger capacity, spare parts, maintenance costs and performance in Bangladesh’s hot and humid climate are being considered. BRTC has also launched a Women’s Bus Service, or Pink Bus, as part of efforts to improve transport services for women passengers.