JAGARAN CHAKMA

The government is planning to procure 100 electric air-conditioned double-decker buses for Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) under an Indian line of credit.

The Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) sent a letter to Economic Relations Division (ERD) last month informing of the intent.

The letter said a detailed project report has been prepared following discussions with the High Commission of India in Dhaka.

The report puts the cost at an estimated Tk 1,153.83 crore and the purchase to be made by June 2024.

Of the amount, Tk 854.69 crore will come from the Indian line of credit and the rest from the government exchequer.

The letter said associated proposals were also being prepared which would be sent to the Planning Commission and the ERD within a short of period of time.

Manindra Kishore Majumder, joint secretary to the RTHD, confirmed to The Daily Star of having sent the letter to the ERD. “From our side, we are keen to complete all the processes,” he said.

A senior ERD official, requesting anonymity, acknowledged that the ERD had received the letter.

The associated proposals will be needed to start negotiations with the Indian authorities and finalising the negotiations will require approval of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council, he said.

Overall, it is a matter of procurement and usually only Indian companies can take part in biddings concerning any Indian line of credit, he said.

Therefore, it should not take much time, unlike physical infrastructure and public works related projects, said the official.

The detailed project report said the buses would ensure reliable and comfortable intracity public transport, replace old buses, usher in the latest technological advancements, reduce traffic and air pollution and create jobs.

Electric vehicles produce no emission, require little maintenance and are economical and environmentally friendly, it said.

Diesel and CNG-run buses will be phased out globally by 2030 and after 2035, automobile manufacturers will no longer manufacture diesel engine vehicles, it said.

The report urged taking necessary steps for setting up associated infrastructure such as electric charging stations, suitable worksheds and washing facilities and for creating skilled manpower such as technicians and drivers.

At present, the BRTC has 1,350 buses operational, of which the economic life of 800 is up to 2025, it said.