The government is planning to launch an international bus service between Dhaka and Gauhati – the largest city in the Indian state of Assam – from May 2 this year.
An inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader, made the decision.
“The Dhaka-Gauhati international bus service will be experimentally launched on May 2,” Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary MAN Siddique told the Dhaka Tribune.
Once introduced, the service will also make it easier for Bangladeshis to travel to cities in the Indian state of Meghalaya – including popular tourist destinations like Shilong and Cherrapunjee.
“Shilong and Guwahati are hilly areas. So, initially we have decided to run luxury mini buses. We need more time as our drivers are not experts at driving in hilly regions,” Siddique said.
Immigration and custom facilities will be developed step by step. However, the service may be delayed if India disagrees with the proposed date.
Representatives from Bangladesh and India completed a study on the proposed bus service, assessing infrastructure, demand, and immigration system.
The buses will initially have capacities of 25-30, and the size will be upgraded if there is demand. During the trips, passengers will get WiFi and also be able to track the vehicle.
Sources said the service will primarily be operated by a private company, as BRTC does not have small luxury buses.
Replying to a question in this regard, MAN Siddique said: “So far, we have not decided on which company will operate the service."
“Once the drivers are trained and small luxury buses are imported, then the BRTC will operate this service,” he added.
