100 more pink buses to be launched soon

Government Moves to Expand Pink Bus Services for Women

Thebangladaily.com – Women commuters may soon see a significant expansion of the dedicated Pink bus service, with the government taking steps to introduce 100 additional buses for journeys to educational institutions and workplaces. The initiative comes as the existing fleet of 14 Pink buses, currently serving 13 routes, has proved too limited for the level of demand.

The proposed expansion was discussed during the first meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. The meeting took place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday and was chaired by committee chairman and Chief Whip Rakibul Islam.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam attended the session along with committee members Lutfor Rahman, Md Ruhul Amin Dulal, Mohammad Aktaruzzaman, Newaz Halima Arly, Md Rafiqul Islam Khan and Md Matiar Rahman.

Addressing Demand for Safer and More Convenient Travel

The Pink bus programme is intended to make regular travel more accessible for women who commute for study or employment. With only a small number of buses now in operation, many potential passengers are unable to benefit from the service. Adding 100 vehicles would considerably enlarge the fleet and could allow coverage to be extended beyond the current 13 routes.

For students, teachers, office workers and other daily commuters, dependable transport can play an important role in reaching destinations on time. The planned expansion reflects the need for transport options that respond to the practical concerns of women travelling through busy urban areas.

The discussion did not set out a launch date for the new buses or identify the routes they will serve. Those details will be important as authorities move from the planning stage to implementation, particularly in determining where the demand is greatest and how the service can be integrated with wider public transport arrangements.

Road Discipline and Safety Also Reviewed

Beyond the proposed Pink bus expansion, the parliamentary committee reviewed the overall work of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, as well as the activities of its subordinate departments and agencies. A central part of the discussion focused on steps intended to improve discipline on roads and highways.

Road safety remains closely connected to road design, traffic management and the condition of key transport corridors. The ministry has taken steps to identify hazardous intersections and areas with a history of accidents. Necessary measures are planned to make those locations safer, including straightening and widening sections of road where required.

New projects are also being considered with provisions for direct road alignments in places where such designs are necessary. Straightened road sections can improve visibility and reduce difficult turns, while wider stretches may help accommodate traffic movement more effectively. The impact of any such work will depend on appropriate planning, construction standards and continued monitoring after projects are completed.

The committee’s discussion placed public transport and infrastructure safety within the same broader policy area: making travel more functional for everyday users while reducing risks on the road network. Expanded bus availability and improvements to dangerous road points address different needs, but both affect how people experience daily travel.

Call for Inspection at Karnaphuli Tunnel Service Area

The committee also recommended that the ministry arrange an on-site inspection of a modern luxury resort built on 72 acres of land in the service area of the Karnaphuli Tunnel. The recommendation seeks a direct assessment of the resort’s present condition.

The Karnaphuli Tunnel is a major transport-related location, and facilities within its service area can have implications for land use, visitor services and the operation of the surrounding area. An on-site inspection would allow the relevant authorities to examine the resort directly and evaluate its current state.

Senior officials from the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Bridges Division were present at the meeting. Senior representatives of the ministry, affiliated agencies and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat also attended.

What the Planned Expansion Could Mean

The decision to pursue 100 more Pink buses signals recognition that the existing service is unable to meet the needs of all women seeking to use it. The current fleet-to-route ratio leaves little room for a large volume of passengers, especially during the busiest travel periods linked to school, college and office schedules.

As the programme grows, the effectiveness of the additional buses will likely depend on practical factors such as route selection, service frequency, passenger access and maintenance. Clear information for commuters will also be valuable when new services are introduced, helping passengers understand where buses operate and when they are available.

The parliamentary committee’s first meeting has therefore highlighted several transport priorities at once: increasing support for women commuters, improving road discipline, addressing accident-prone locations and reviewing infrastructure-related facilities. The next phase will be measured by how these plans are carried forward into visible improvements for people using Bangladesh’s roads and public transport system every day.