Buses use Purbachal depot, easing pressure on Mohakhali

The chronic congestion around Dhaka’s Mohakhali inter-district bus terminal is easing as waiting long-distance buses are increasingly being shifted to a temporary depot in Purbachal.

Under the new arrangement, buses without an immediate trip are sent to the depot in Sector 3 of Purbachal and return to Mohakhali two to three hours before their scheduled departure to pick up passengers.

Officials said 150 to 200 buses now use the depot daily, with around 70 to 90 remaining there at a time. The arrangement has reduced the number of buses parked around Mohakhali and eased pressure on surrounding roads.

Mohakhali, one of Dhaka’s three major inter-district bus terminals, began operations in 1984 and serves northern and northeastern routes. Although the terminal can accommodate around 200 buses, many vehicles used to wait on surrounding roads for their scheduled trips, occupying road space and worsening congestion.

The authorities launched the Purbachal depot on July 15, but the initiative initially drew little interest because of inadequate facilities.

The situation improved after authorities introduced better arrangements for toilets, showers, food, rest and security.

A recent visit found buses operating on routes to Mymensingh, Tangail, Netrokona, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Bogura, Sirajganj, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Rangpur and Cox’s Bazar using the depot.

Several workshops have also been set up there, offering engine, body, electrical, painting, sheet-metal and glass repair services.