Dhaka BRT explained

Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit
Native Name:ঢাকা বিআরটি
Imagesize2:250px
Locale:Dhaka
Transit Type:Bus rapid transit
Lines:BRT line 3: Under construction (only northern section),
BRT line 7: Proposed
Stations:
  • BRT line 3 northern section: 25 (under construction)
  • BRT line 3 southern section: 16 (planned)
Ridership:400,000 (estimated)
Headquarters:House 4, Road 21, Sector 4, Uttara, Dhaka
Owner:Road Transport and Highways Division
Operator:Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit Company Limited
Vehicles:137 diesel-run AC buses
System Length:41km (25miles)
Average Speed:23 km/h
Map State:collapsed

The Dhaka BRT (romanised: Dhaka Bi-Ar-Ti) or Dhaka Line is a bus rapid transit system under construction in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The original plan for the network included two lines: BRT Line-3 and BRT Line-7. Currently, only the northern section of BRT Line-3 is under construction, scheduled for completion by June 2024,[1] while the other route is still in the planning phase.[2] [3]

History

Planning

In 2005, the World Bank published a study report, recommending that the government of Bangladesh build a transit system in Dhaka. In the same year, American consultancy firm Louis Berger Group prepared a 20-year strategic transport plan for Dhaka.[4] The World Bank helped to develop this plan, which proposed the construction of three bus rapid transit systems in Dhaka.[5] [6] In 2011, a primary feasibility study was done for BRT by the Asian Development Bank. On 1 December 2012, the ECNEC approved the BRT project under the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project, implemented by three agencies: the Roads and Highways Department, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority and the Local Government Engineering Department.[7] In 2013, the state-owned Dhaka Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Company was formed as a special purpose company under this project to plan, execute, operate, and manage a bus-based mass transit system in the capital. In 2020, the company appointed its first managing director, and following a court order, eight years' worth of annual general meetings were held in a single session in 2022.

The Revised Strategic Transport Plan approved in 2016 as the successor to the 2005 transport plan, reduced the number of bus rapid transit lines down to two.[8] [9] The budget of BRT Line 3 was fixed at, which was later increased to .[10]

Initially, the Dhaka BRT Company made the decision to operate articulated buses along the BRT route; however, this was later revised in favour of electric buses. Subsequently, the authority changed course again and opted to procure 137 diesel-run AC buses instead in January 2023. However, as of May 2024, the bus procurement process has not been finalised due to legal complications stemming from the recent cancellation of the initial tender.

Construction

BRT Line 3 was supposed to be completed by 2016, but construction could not begin due to several factors like route redefinition, the absence of a final feasibility study prior to project initiation, frequent alterations in architectural designs, and the incorporation of new establishments into the plan. As a result of these factors, the government found it necessary to extend the construction period, leading to a subsequent increase in the construction budget by 52.20%.[11]

On 1 December 2016, the government appointed Gezhouba Group as the contractor for the construction of the northern section of BRT Line 3, which was expected to complete construction within two and a half years.[12] In 2017, Bangladesh Bridge Authority signed an agreement with Jiangsu Provincial Transportation Engineering Group Co. Ltd for the construction of a 4.5km (02.8miles) elevated road (flyover) and 10-lane Tongi Bridge, along with 10 elevated stations, as part of the BRT project.[13]

In 2019, the Road Transport and Highways Division (RHD) created a detail engineering design for the southern section of BRT Line 3 (Airport to Keraniganj).[14] The RHD is also responsible for constructing a 16km (10miles) road, which includes the construction of seven flyovers.[15]

The project deadline were then revised to 30 June 2020 and June 2022 respectively, but its construction could not be completed.[16] On 6 November 2022, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader said that the northern section of BRT Line 3 is likely to be commissioned in May or June 2023.[17] On 17 June 2023, Quader informed that the bus rapid transit service would be launched in September or October of the same year.[18] However, the project's deadline was again subsequently extended to June 2024.

The deadline of the project has been extended in five phases.[19] As of March 2024, the construction of the northern section was 90% complete.

Incidents

On 14 March 2021, six workers, including three Chinese nationals, sustained injuries when a girder collapsed on them near Dhaka airport. Then, on 15 July 2022, a construction worker working on the BRT project died after a crane accident at Chandana Chourasta area on the DhakaMymensingh highway in Gazipur.[20]

On 15 August 2022, five people were killed when a girder used in the construction of the project fell on a private vehicle at Jasimuddin Square, Uttara. As a result, Mayor Atiqul Islam announced the suspension of BRT construction in the Dhaka North City Corporation area until all types of compliance certificates are received from the contractors.[21] The government's investigative team held the contractors accountable for the accident.[22] As a result, the two contractors were declared ineligible for upcoming construction projects.[23] Construction subsequently resumed in mid-September 2022.[24]

In January 2023, authorities dismantled a BRT ramp in the Dhaka airport area due to the use of low-quality and defective materials by the contractor. The work was restarted by engaging new subcontractors and materials were sourced from different suppliers, as stated by authorities. This incident resulted in disruptions, cost escalations, and time overruns within the project.[25]

On 15 April 2023, three people were injured as a crane used in the construction of the BRT system fell on shops in Tongi.

Operation

On 6 November 2022, a segment of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, comprising the Dhaka-bound two lanes of the flyover from Tongi Fire Service in Gazipur to Uttara House Building, was opened to vehicular traffic.

On 24 March 2024, seven flyovers of the BRT project were opened to traffic with the aim of mitigating traffic congestion along the DhakaGazipur route.

Routes

BRT Line 3

BRT Line 3 is composed of two sections. The northern section extends from Shibbari in Gazipur to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A total of 25 stations are currently under construction within this section, with plans for it to link up with the airport station of MRT Line 1 that goes to Kamalapur Railway Station. This route is expected to lower travel times from Gazipur to Dhaka from 1.54 hours down to 3540 minutes.[26]

The 22km (14miles) southern section was planned to be constructed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Jhilmil Residential Area in Keraniganj which will consist of 16 stations. However, in 2020, the plan was dropped due to bad experience with the under-construction route, according to Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader.[27]

BRT Line 7

A feasibility study conducted by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) identified a route from Narayanganj to Gazipur as a viable option for implementation for BRT Line 7. However, progress on the project has been hindered by a lack of interest from relevant authorities and land encroachments throughout the route.

Criticisms

The BRT Line 3 project has faced significant setbacks and criticism. Delays caused by land acquisition hurdles, design modifications, and financial constraints on contractors have led to cost escalations and public inconvenience during construction. Frequent changes, such as shifting from articulated to electric and then diesel buses, have raised concerns about operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and deviating from the project's original purpose. Contractors bidding low have struggled to secure funds, resulting in substandard work and further delays. The project's estimated cost has more than doubled since inception, prompting allegations of financial mismanagement.[28] Inconsistent planning decisions, like altering the number of bus stations and lanes, have contributed to delays and higher costs. The lack of foresight in design elements, including inadequate drainage and the absence of footpaths in industrial areas like Gazipur and design of Tongi Bridge, has drawn criticism. Frequent technical specification and design changes have raised doubts about the project's profitability and efficiency.[29]

Notes and References

  1. News: Akand . Md Raihanul Islam . 18 March 2024 . Gazipur to Dhaka airport in 44 minutes . 14 April 2024 . Dhaka Tribune.
  2. Web site: Sultana . Munima . 23 February 2022 . Government’s interest in bus rapid transit waning . 7 March 2024 . . en.
  3. Web site: 16 October 2023 . BRT-3 not this year . 31 December 2023 . The Daily Star.
  4. Web site: পুরোটাই উড়ালপথে নির্মাণ ভারতের ‘মেট্রো ম্যান’ শ্রীধরনের পরামর্শে. bn. Shamim. Rahman. 23 December 2022. 26 December 2022. Bonikbarta.net. 26 December 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221226234004/https://bonikbarta.net/home/news_description/324689/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87-%E0%A6%89%E0%A7%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A3-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E2%80%99-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%87. live.
  5. Web site: মেট্রোরেল ছিল বিরাট এক চ্যালেঞ্জ. bn. Sheikh Shahriar. Zaman. 25 December 2022. 26 December 2022. Bangla Tribune. 25 December 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221225144844/https://www.banglatribune.com/others/capital-city/778684/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9E%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9C. live.
  6. Web site: মেট্রোরেলেও ছাপ রেখে গেছেন অধ্যাপক জামিলুর রেজা চৌধুরী. bn. Shamim. Rahman. 24 December 2022. 27 December 2022. Bonikbarta.net. 27 December 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221227014813/https://bonikbarta.net/home/news_description/324782/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%93-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AA-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%96%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%8C%E0%A6%A7%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80. live.
  7. News: Sultana . Munima . 6 May 2024 . Dhaka BRT: Slow lane to nowhere? . 20 May 2024 . The Financial Express.
  8. News: ৪৬ মেগা প্রকল্প বাস্তবায়নে শঙ্কা. bn. Matin. Abdullah. 13 April 2018. 13 March 2023. Jugantor. 13 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313202606/https://www.jugantor.com/todays-paper/last-page/37860/%E0%A7%AA%E0%A7%AC-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%99%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE. live.
  9. Web site: Nawaz . Arch Tanwir . 2019-11-04 . The Future of Dhaka's Urban Transportation . 2024-03-16 . The Daily Star . en.
  10. News: Adhikari . Tuhin Subhra . 18 January 2023 . BRT line-3: Promises falling flat . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230313213344/https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/transport/news/brt-line-3-promises-falling-flat-3223786 . 13 March 2023 . 13 March 2023 . The Daily Star.
  11. News: 'BRT project becomes a burden as it proceeds at snail's pace, costs double'. Anowar. Hossain. 4 August 2021. 13 March 2023. Prothom Alo. 13 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313211220/https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/city/brt-project-becomes-a-burden-as-it-proceeds-at-snails-pace-costs-double. live.
  12. News: বিমানবন্দর টু গাজীপুর বাস র‍্যাপিড ট্রানজিট. bn. 2 December 2016. 13 March 2023. Bangladesh Pratidin. 13 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313203810/https://www.bd-pratidin.com/last-page/2016/12/02/189337. live.
  13. News: Contract to construct elevated flyover, 10-lane bridge signed. 20 October 2017. 14 March 2023. New Age. 26 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200226032311/http://www.newagebd.net/article/26533/contract-to-construct-elevated-flyover-10-lane-bridge-signed. live.
  14. Web site: 27 Jan 2019 . Detail design on 22-km Airport-Jhilmil BRT route completed . 2024-03-24 . . en-US.
  15. Web site: 2024-03-24 . 7 flyovers of BRT project open today . 2024-03-24 . The Business Standard . en.
  16. News: বিআরটির উত্তরা-টঙ্গী অংশ খুলছে আজ. bn. 6 November 2022. 13 March 2023. Kaler Kantho. 18 November 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221118012125/https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/national/2022/11/06/1200605. live.
  17. Web site: Dhaka BRT to open fully for traffic in June next year: Quader. 6 November 2022. 13 March 2023. The Business Standard. 13 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313212758/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/transport/brt-project-will-be-inaugurated-first-week-june-quader-526998. live.
  18. Web site: সেপ্টেম্বর-অক্টোবর নাগাদ শেষ হবে বিআরটি প্রকল্প. bn. 17 June 2023. 12 July 2023. Banglanews24.com.
  19. Web site: 20 July 2023 . BRT opening in Sept unlikely as contractors call for more time . 31 December 2023 . The Business Standard.
  20. Web site: 2023-04-16 . BRT crane tips over, injures 3 . 2024-04-14 . The Daily Star . en.
  21. Web site: 16 August 2022 . দুর্ঘটনা: ঢাকা উত্তরে বিআরটির সব ধরণের নির্মাণকাজ বন্ধ ঘোষণা করেছেন মেয়র আতিকুল ইসলাম . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220816091802/http://www.bbc.com/bengali/news-62560703 . 16 August 2022 . 14 March 2023 . . bn.
  22. News: 4 September 2022 . Dhaka BRT girder tragedy: Probe body finds 12 reasons for the accident . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220904153859/https://www.daily-sun.com/post/642279/Dhaka-BRT-girder-tragedy:-Probe-body-finds-12-reasons-for-the-accident . 4 September 2022 . 14 March 2023 . Daily Sun.
  23. Web site: 17 October 2022 . BRT contractor won't get any more projects: Quader . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221017134500/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/brt-contractor-wont-get-any-more-projects-quader-1665973347 . 17 October 2022 . 14 March 2023 . Thefinancialexpress.com.bd.
  24. Web site: 2022-10-08 . Safety measures still meager as BRT work resumes quietly . 2024-03-07 . The Business Standard . en.
  25. Web site: 2023-01-26 . Authorities dismantle faulty BRT ramp after wasting time, money . 2024-03-07 . The Business Standard . en.
  26. News: Mamun . Shohel . 31 July 2022 . Bus Rapid Transit set for July 2023 launch . 21 May 2024 . Dhaka Tribune.
  27. Web site: 2021-09-10 . Airport to Gazipur on BRT: Service from Dec 2022 . 2024-05-20 . The Daily Star . en.
  28. News: Mithu . Ariful Islam . 21 January 2022 . Why BRT-3 fails, again and again, to hit the target . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220520083833/https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/infrastructure/all-costs-low-does-not-bode-well-360532 . 20 May 2022 . 14 March 2023 . The Business Standard.
  29. Web site: Islam . Jahidul . 2022-09-08 . Misplan, delays, cost overruns dog BRT . 2024-03-24 . The Business Standard . en.