Water bus services are expected to resume on Dhaka’s circular waterways within the next two to three months.

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The government plans to resume water bus services on Dhaka’s circular waterways within the next two to three months to ease traffic congestion and expand river-based transportation, Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabul Alam told Parliament on Monday.

Replying to a supplementary question, the minister acknowledged that previous water bus operations suffered from mismanagement, resulting in losses of around Tk 57 crore over 10 years. He said BIWTA has identified the problems and is taking steps to ensure better management and sustainable services.

The minister also highlighted the severe pollution of the Buriganga and other rivers around Dhaka. Authorities have identified 424 discharge points linked to chemical, liquid and solid waste as major sources of pollution.

He said the government is working through a coordinated initiative involving WASA, city corporations, BIWTA and the Ministry of Water Resources to restore the rivers. Measures have also been taken to prevent industrial waste from being discharged into waterways.

The revived water bus service is expected to give Dhaka commuters an alternative to congested roads while making better use of the capital’s extensive river network.