Bangladesh Cancels Troubled Gazipur BRT Project After 14 Years, Billions Spent
After 14 years of construction, the government has cancelled the Gazipur Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. This project spent Tk 28.11 billion. It aimed to ease traffic on the 20-kilometre highway from Dhaka airport to Gazipur. However, the special buses never ran. Instead, traffic became worse and people suffered more.
The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, discussed the project on Sunday. The government will now turn the BRT corridor into a regular highway. This means removing BRT stations and lane dividers. Two flyovers will also be made wider.
The Road Transport and Highways Division announced these decisions. Officials must now talk to partners and solve legal issues to close the project. The government will also close the Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit Company. This company was made to operate the BRT service. Its work will now go to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD).
An expert team from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) reviewed the project. Professor Shamsul Haque led this team. They recommended cancelling the project entirely. The BUET report found major problems in how projects are planned and carried out. It pointed to poor technical studies. It also mentioned a shortage of skilled staff and a lack of responsibility.
The project had many issues from the start. It lacked a full feasibility study and design. There was no plan for drainage or moving utility lines. No alternative traffic system was arranged during construction. These problems caused severe difficulties for commuters. Seven lives were lost in accidents during the construction period.
Another problem was the bus doors. BRT stations were designed for buses with right-side doors. However, buses in Bangladesh have left-side doors. This made the system impractical for local use.
Mohammad Shamsul Haque, from Gazipur Heritage and Development, said cancelling the project is wrong. He stated that 97 percent of the work is complete. His group wants the project finished. However, Professor Haque of BUET believes cancellation is the best choice. He said the project would not fully solve the travel problems for Gazipur residents.
The Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) also raised concerns. They said cancelling the project now could cost over Tk 10 billion. This would cover demolition and contractor payments.
The government is now focused on converting the road. This will hopefully ease the long-standing traffic issues. Officials must report their progress to the ministry every month.
