Bangladesh has unveiled a 20-year multimodal transport plan for Greater Dhaka that proposes eight metro lines, two bus rapid transit routes, three ring roads, six expressways and 21 major transport hubs. The strategy is designed to connect rail, bus, road and water transport so people can move across the capital region with fewer delays and easier transfers. Dhaka’s metro network is expected to expand in stages from its current limited coverage to an eventual 268.5 kilometres. The plan also includes around 79 kilometres of monorail corridors, three large ring roads and a circular waterway. These projects are meant to give travellers more alternatives instead of forcing most trips onto the same crowded roads. Multimodal hubs would allow passengers to change between metro, bus and other services in organised locations. Better transfers can make public transport more useful because a single rail line cannot take everyone directly from home to work. The plan also proposes moving four major bus terminals and reorganising routes with primary and circular feeder services. A more structured bus network can help passengers reach metro stations without depending only on private cars, motorcycles or informal transport. Long-term transport planning is especially important for Dhaka because new roads alone often fill quickly as the number of vehicles grows. High-capacity public transport can move more people using less road space. Ring roads and expressways can also direct through-traffic away from the city centre when they are connected properly to industrial and logistics areas. The challenge will be coordination. Large transport projects involve land, finance, utilities and many public agencies. Construction needs to be phased so the city does not face unnecessary disruption, and new lines should connect with each other rather than operating as separate systems. Affordable fares will also matter if public transport is to serve workers and students across income groups. Walking access, footpaths and safe crossings around stations are just as important as the trains themselves. Dhaka’s traffic problems were built over decades, so solving them requires a long view. The 20-year plan provides a map for how different forms of transport can work together rather than competing for space. If projects are prioritised carefully and integrated well, the strategy can reduce travel uncertainty, support cleaner mobility and make the capital more productive for millions of residents and businesses. Measured carefully, these gains can support confidence without creating unrealistic expectations. Maintaining public trust will be just as important as expanding capacity. Good execution will matter more than announcements as the next steps move forward. The broader opportunity is to build capacity that remains useful long after the first investment. A steady focus on quality can help this progress remain useful over the long term.
