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The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has moved to incorporate the BNP government's election manifesto on Dhaka's transport system into its Strategic Transport Plan (STP), although the latest revision of the master plan is nearing completion.
The DTCA has been updating the Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) 2015 since 2022 with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the final draft report has already been submitted.
Sources said that as the authority is yet to finalise the report, it has decided to review and integrate the new government's plans for Dhaka city and its transport services before completing the 20-year master plan.
The authority has already requested the Japan-led joint venture consulting firm to review the proposals after receiving directives from the Road Transport and Highways Division.
Before the 13th national election, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman pledged to develop a monorail network in the city alongside bus sector reforms and introduce technology-driven traffic management, including smart signalling, real-time traffic monitoring and data-based route optimisation.
After assuming office as prime minister, he prioritised transport sector reforms by holding several meetings with BUET Professor Mohammad Shamsul Hoque and other stakeholders.
The latest updated RSTP focuses on shifting the city's transport system toward greater integration of pedestrians, cyclists and sustainable transport modes, along with major infrastructure projects planned for 2035-2045.
The revision followed several surveys that found a significant decline in the modal share of public buses in Dhaka, prompting a rethink of the city's transport priorities.
It prioritises three low-cost Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines in the suburban areas of Dhaka while also proposing the expansion of previously recommended Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Lines 1, 5 and 6.
The Urban Regional Strategic Transport Plan (URSTP) recommends around US$59 billion in investment to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the capital.
Project Director Robiul Alam said all other options included in the government's election manifesto were now under discussion with the consultants.
"It is still at the discussion stage," he said.
Replying to a question about the scope for introducing monorail within the existing URSTP framework, Mr Alam said consultations on the issue were continuing through the ADB.
smunima@yahoo.com