Govt plans private water bus service in Dhaka
The decision was taken at
a meeting on the development of the circular waterway, chaired by Prime
Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division on August 2, according to
officials.
Deputy Press Secretary
Shahadat Hossain Shadhin said the government plans to invite private operators
to run the water bus service after revitalizing the waterways surrounding
Dhaka. The initiative aims to provide an alternative mode of public transport
while making better use of the city’s rivers.
The meeting also reviewed
plans to tackle river pollution, improve navigability, preserve the natural
flow of water, strengthen drainage systems, and enhance the riverfront
environment.
The prime minister
directed authorities to plant a variety of trees along the walkways being
developed beside the rivers to improve the area's aesthetics and promote
environmental sustainability, officials said.
The proposed circular
waterway will connect major points around the capital, beginning at Gabtoli and
passing through Ashulia, Tongi, Narayanganj, Sadarghat and Bosila before
returning to Gabtoli.
Senior government officials, including representatives from the transport, shipping and environment ministries, as well as Dhaka’s two city corporations, attended the meeting to discuss implementation of the project.
