Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has launched a special “women’s bus service” across 13 routes in various areas of Dhaka, Bogura, and Chattogram, aimed at ensuring safe and comfortable travel for women. A total of 14 buses will operate across the three districts under this service. Road, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam inaugurated the service Tuesday afternoon at BRTC’s truck depot in Tejgaon, in the capital.
At the launch, the minister said ensuring a women-friendly transport system operated by women drivers is part of the government’s commitment. As part of that effort, 14 special buses are being launched: 10 buses on 10 routes in Dhaka, two buses on two routes in Bogura, and two buses on one route in Chattogram. Of the 10 buses in Dhaka, one is single-deck and nine are double-deck.
The minister said the service would be expanded further in the days ahead, with the number of routes and buses increased in phases.
Women’s buses to run on 10 routes in Dhaka metropolitan area. The routes are:
1. Notun Bazar (Coca-Cola)-Motijheel: Coca-Cola, Notun Bazar, Uttar Badda, Modhya Badda, Merul Badda, Rampura, Abul Hotel, Malibagh, Kakrail, Paltan, Gulistan, and Motijheel.
2. Taltola-Motijheel: Taltola, Khilgaon Railgate, Basabo, Bauddha Mandir, Mugda, Kamalapur Railway Station, Arambagh, Shapla Chattar, and Secretariat.
3. Demra Staff Quarter-GPO: Demra Staff Quarter, Basher Pool, Kajla, Jatrabari, Janapath Mor (Sayedabad), Wari, Gulistan, Paltan, Secretariat, and Matsya Bhaban.
4. Mirpur-10-Motijheel: Mirpur-10, Technical, Kalyanpur, Shyamoli, Asad Gate, Kalabagan, Shahbagh, Paltan, and Motijheel.
5. Mirpur-Motijheel: Mirpur-12, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-1, Technical, Shyamoli, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Gulistan, and Motijheel.
6. Mirpur-12-Motijheel: Mirpur-12, Mirpur-11, Mirpur-10, Kazipara, Sheorapara, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Press Club, Gulistan, and Motijheel.
7. Narayanganj-Dhaka: Chashara, Shibu Market, Stadium, Jhalkuri, Bhuiyagarh, Signboard, Rayerbagh, Shonir Akhra, Tikatuli, Gulistan, and Motijheel.
8. Mohammadpur-Motijheel: Mohammadpur, Shankar, Jhigatola, Dhanmondi-15, City College, New Market, Elephant Road, Shahbagh, Paltan, Motijheel, and Kamalapur.
9. Abdullahpur-Motijheel: Abdullahpur, Azampur, Airport, Khilkhet, Bishwa Road, Kurmitola, Banani, Mohakhali, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Matsya Bhaban, Press Club, Gulistan, and Motijheel.
10. Gazipur-Airport: Gazipur Shibbari, Gazipur Chowrasta, Maleker Bari, Board Bazar, Gazipura, College Gate, Station Road, Abdullahpur, Azampur, and Airport.
Two routes in Bogura district
Women’s bus service has also launched on two routes in Bogura: the Sherpur-Matidali and the Banani-Mokamtala Stand routes.
11. The Sherpur-Matidali route includes stops at RDA School, Nayamile Mor, Sha. Upa. Gate, B-Block-Majhira, Banani, Satmatha, Mohila College, and Matidali.
12. The Banani-Mokamtala Stand route, meanwhile, stops at Banani, Satmatha, Mohila College, Matidali Mor, TMSS Hospital, Mahasthan Bazar, and Mokamtala Stand.
One route in the port city of Chattogram
13. In Chattogram, the service has launched on the Kalurghat-Patenga route. The stops on this route are Kalurghat, Kaptai Rastar Matha, Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, 2 Number Gate, GEC Circle, Lalkhan Bazar, Tiger Pass, Dewanhat, Chowmuhoni, Agrabad, Barek Building, Free Port, Kathgarh, and Patenga.
Also present at the inaugural event were Women and Children Affairs Ministry Secretary Yasmin Parveen, various officials from the Road Transport and Highways Division, heads of various agencies, senior BRTC officials, passengers and users of the women’s bus service, and various stakeholders from the transport sector.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report