Govt plans to buy 800 electric buses from China & South Korea in Tk4,584 crore project
In a Nutshell:
- BRTC has submitted two preliminary proposals to buy 500 electric buses from China and 300 from South Korea.
- The Korean buses are estimated at Tk4.61 crore each, compared with Tk2.46 crore for each Chinese bus.
- Both projects include charging and maintenance facilities, but they are still at different stages of approval and financing.
Why it matters
Electric buses could reduce emissions and replace part of BRTC’s ageing fleet, including around 700 old vehicles. However, operating them will require charging stations, specialised workshops, trained workers and systems suited to Dhaka and Chattogram’s traffic and waterlogging conditions. BRTC’s record also raises concerns. Many Volvo and Daewoo buses bought in earlier projects became unusable before reaching their expected lifespan, leading experts to question whether the corporation can maintain another expensive fleet.
What we think
Buying electric buses is a necessary step, but the Government should not treat this as a vehicle purchase alone. Before spending Tk4,584 crore, it should explain why the Korean buses cost nearly twice as much, compare total operating and financing costs, and publish a clear plan for charging, maintenance and staff training.