PM asks for shifting terminals, Karwan Bazar kitchen market to ease traffic

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to implement sweeping changes to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka, including relocating the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj, shifting the Kawran Bazar kitchen market to Gabtoli, and introducing Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems on expressway toll plazas. The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister at the Tejgaon Office, where senior ministers and officials reviewed pressing traffic challenges in the capital.

The meeting, attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, among others, focused on modernizing traffic management and improving public transport infrastructure. Key decisions include the construction of a temporary bus terminal on 15 acres of Jhilmil project land within four months, the expansion of Gabtoli Bus Terminal, and a review of the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover congestion report by BUET.

To streamline toll collection and reduce delays, ETC systems will be deployed at expressway and flyover toll plazas, enabling faster, cashless transactions. Fulbaria Bus Terminal will be relocated to Keraniganj, with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives overseeing the land acquisition process. A temporary terminal will be built on Jhilmil land to accommodate urgent needs while a permanent solution is developed.

The Kawran Bazar kitchen market, a major source of congestion, will be moved to Gabtoli to alleviate pressure on one of Dhaka’s busiest commercial hubs. The rear portion of Gabtoli Bus Terminal will be expanded to enhance capacity and vehicle management. Additionally, BUET has been tasked with reviewing the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover congestion report and submitting recommendations within 15 days, in coordination with Dhaka South City Corporation and traffic police.

Parking facilities around the Secretariat will be improved, with feasibility studies planned for locations including Osmani Memorial Auditorium. A new policy will be formulated to regulate auto-rickshaws, and authorities have been directed to crack down on unauthorized double-decker sleeper buses. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency coordination and timely completion of all assigned tasks.

The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to addressing Dhaka’s chronic traffic gridlock through structural and technological solutions.

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