Authorities are working to launch Dhaka's bus route franchise system on at least two routes on 25 October, the first stage of a plan to bring the capital's fragmented bus services under a single company on each route.

The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) is pushing for the deadline after existing operators showed interest in six of the 32 routes identified in a recent study. Operators including Dishari Paribahan, Swadhin Paribahan and Rajanigandha, and a bus owner, Ramjan Ali, have expressed interest, The Financial Express reported.

The move follows a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on 8 October, at which he ordered visible progress on at least two routes within two months and set a six-month deadline to reorganise the network into 32 routes.

Under the franchise model, one designated company runs each route and is responsible for vehicle fitness, discipline and legal compliance. The plan also covers counter-based services, e-ticketing, GPS tracking and designated stops.

Dhaka now has only 98 of its 418 approved bus routes in operation, served by about 7,500 buses from 66 companies, according to the DTCA, a fragmented system officials say creates unhealthy competition for passengers, congestion and accidents.

Several hurdles remain, including forming one company for each route, restructuring bus stops, developing pick-up and drop-off points, clearing footpaths of encroachment and taking battery-run rickshaws off some routes. Bus owners are also to keep driving unfit vehicles off the road with help from magistrates.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police is due to hold another meeting on 22 October to review progress and finalise which two routes will go first, along with circular routes proposed by the force. The DTCA has also discussed feeder services, preferably by minibus, on those circular routes.

Analysts have questioned whether the reform can be completed on schedule, particularly the introduction of modern, air-conditioned buses under the franchise system.