REZAUL KARIM
The road transport and bridges ministry has sought a Tk 4.0 billion grant from the finance ministry to procure 100 electric buses for the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) fleet.
The move is aimed at developing an environmentally friendly and sustainable public transport system in the country, officials said.
As part of efforts to modernise public transport and reduce carbon emissions, the transport ministry has submitted the proposal to the finance ministry, requesting budgetary support in the form of a grant for the procurement of electric vehicles.
The initiative aligns with the government's election manifesto to build an integrated, efficient, and green transport system, under which the introduction of electric buses in the BRTC fleet is considered both timely and necessary.
Once procured, the buses are expected to operate on major routes in the Dhaka metropolitan area as well as on inter-district routes connecting divisional cities.
Officials said the integration of electric buses into the BRTC fleet is expected to deliver long-term benefits, including savings on fuel costs, a reduction in urban air pollution, and improved passenger service quality.
The Road Transport and Highways Division has urged the Finance Division, which is under the finance ministry, to allocate funds urgently to enable early implementation of the scheme.
According to the proposed cost structure, Tk 2.50 billion has been earmarked for procuring the buses and Tk 500 million for installing 25 charging stations.
An additional Tk 350 million will be spent on ancillary equipment and spare parts, Tk 200 million on training and technical support, and Tk 250 million on transportation, registration, and related expenses.
An additional Tk 200 million has been earmarked for associated costs, including depot infrastructure development and maintenance, bringing the total estimated expenditure to Tk 4.0 billion.
When asked, a finance division official said, "We have received a proposal from the transport ministry and are working on the issue."
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