Dhaka, one of most densely populated megacities in the world, may soon witness a major transformation in its transportation landscape as the government moves forward with plans to relocate the capital’s two largest intercity bus terminals, Gabtoli and Mohakhali, to areas outside the city.
The initiative, which forms part of a broader effort to modernize urban transport management and ease chronic traffic congestion, has been welcomed by urban planners and transport experts. However, they caution that relocating the terminals alone will not resolve Dhaka’s longstanding traffic problems unless accompanied by wider reforms in public transportation, traffic management and urban planning.
The decision came following a high-level meeting on transport management and urban mobility, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the relevant authorities to accelerate the relocation process.
Under the proposed plan, the Gabtoli Bus Terminal will be shifted to Hemayetpur, located on the western outskirts of Dhaka, while the Mohakhali Bus Terminal will initially be relocated to Purbachal before eventually moving to a permanent facility near Tongi.
Government officials believe the move will significantly reduce the number of long-distance buses entering the city’s busiest areas and help improve traffic flow across several key corridors.
At present, Gabtoli and Mohakhali serve as major transportation hubs connecting Dhaka with districts across northern, northeastern and southwestern Bangladesh. Transport sector sources estimate that more than 2,500 long-distance buses enter and leave the two terminals every day.
Gabtoli alone handles between 1,200 and 1,500 buses daily, while Mohakhali accommodates approximately 1,000 buses. To reach these terminals, buses must travel through heavily congested roads, including Mirpur Road, Gabtoli, Shyamoli, Tejgaon, Banani, Mohakhali and Airport Road.
The constant movement of large buses through these corridors contributes significantly to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Road intersections near the terminals frequently experience bottlenecks, causing delays for commuters and disrupting overall traffic movement.
Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan confirmed that preparations for the relocation project are progressing.
“Gabtoli Bus Terminal will be relocated to Hemayetpur, while Mohakhali Bus Terminal will first move to Purbachal and later to a permanent site near Tongi. Necessary procedures are underway, and the Prime Minister has given special importance to the project. We are working to implement the plan as quickly as possible,” he told The Daily Observer.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said the government is determined to create modern and passenger-friendly transport facilities.
According to the minister, existing bus terminals in Dhaka lack adequate facilities and fail to provide a comfortable environment for travelers.
“Within the next four to six months, we will begin improving the existing terminals. Within two years, Gabtoli will be relocated to Hemayetpur and Mohakhali will be moved first to Purbachal and later to Tongi,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the government has already acquired approximately 50 acres of land in Tongi for the construction of the permanent terminal.
He also pointed out that many premium intercity bus operators, including Sohag Paribahan and Green Line, have established their own boarding points and service centers because existing public terminals do not meet expected standards.
“These operators offer passengers cleaner waiting rooms, improved sanitation facilities and better services. Our goal is to ensure that public terminals can provide similar standards for all passengers,” he added.
In addition to terminal relocation, authorities are developing temporary bus depots under Dhaka North City Corporation, while permanent depot facilities are expected to be completed within the next two years.
The government is also examining how passengers will travel to and from the relocated terminals.
