|| Special Correspondent: The government has planned four major initiatives to ease traffic congestion, improve public transport services and restore discipline on the roads of the capital Dhaka.The proposed measures include removing buses more than 20 years old from Dhaka, relocating bus terminals and stations in key areas, renovating 31 existing routes and introducing new regulations to control auto-rickshaw operations.Senior officials of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and representatives of bus owners’ associations shared details of the initiatives, expressing optimism that coordinated implementation could improve traffic management, road safety and the overall quality of public transport.State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Habibur Rashid told BSS that isolated measures would be insufficient to resolve the capital’s longstanding traffic problems.“The government is seriously considering implementing the removal of old buses, terminal management, road renovation and the regulation of auto-rickshaws under an integrated plan,” he said, adding that reducing passenger hardship, ensuring road safety and making public transport more efficient would remain the primary objectives.Traffic congestion in Dhaka has become more than a daily inconvenience, affecting the urban economy, working hours, fuel consumption, public health and the environment. Thousands of commuters spend considerable time travelling to workplaces, educational institutions, hospitals and businesses, reducing productivity and disrupting daily life.Experts say sustainable solutions will require more than constructing new roads and flyovers. Better use of existing roads, improved bus route management, vehicle quality control and coordination among different modes of public transport are equally important.Under the first initiative, buses more than 20 years old would be removed from the capital. Ageing vehicles can pose safety and environmental risks because of mechanical faults, inadequate maintenance and excessive emissions.However, experts said fitness, mechanical condition, emission levels and maintenance records should also be considered.Authorities will need to ensure replacements before withdrawing older vehicles to prevent shortages and avoid passenger sufferings. Regular fitness inspections, driver training, reasonable working hours and effective maintenance monitoring will also be essential. Introducing electric buses could further reduce direct exhaust emissions and support cleaner urban transport.