Thursday, July 14, 2016

Types of transportation in Bangladesh

By Irfan Aziz

Bangladesh is known for a lot of things. Its greenery, the Royal Bengal Tiger, the longest natural beach in the world and oh, its traffic; being the most densely populated country in the world it comes as no surprise. The big cities, especially, are notorious for traffic jams. Lucky for us, there are plenty of ways to get around in Bangladesh. Do keep in mind that some of these transports are exclusive to certain regions of Bangladesh. Without further ado let’s take a look at them:

Rickshaw: 
The number 1 choice here in Bangladesh, the most popular form of transport. Although it was invented in Japan, Bangladesh made it popular. Paris is the city of Light; Dhaka is the city of rickshaws. With approximately 600,000 rickshaws running each day, Dhaka City is known as the Capital of Rickshaws. It is very convenient to travel short distances and even fairly long distances at times. Although one of the major contributors of traffic jam, rickshaws are also responsible for a fair
chunk of employment. In addition to that, they do not require any fuel, do not emit any harmful gasses, are very reasonable and energy efficient. Of course, we must not forget about rickshaw art. With each rickshaw having its own unique artwork done on their backsides, it just adds so many pretty colors to the cities. Still wondering why the rickshaw is the peoples’ champion of transports?

Bus:
This is the cheapest way to travel within the city and cover long distances.  However, there are several classes. You have the “local” buses which are the cheapest and often feels like travelling in an oven every now and then.  Also, fair warning, it may break your heart when you find out that the term “sitting service” is quite often proven to be a myth.  If you are willing to spend a bit more though, there are services such as Falgun and Anabil which actually live up to expectations. Then there are companies that provide you with buses from brands such as Mercedes and Volvo although they can only be used to travel long distances. In short, buses are a really convenient way to travel.

Auto rickshaw/Baby taxis:
The happy little yellow automobile. Someone decided to give the rickshaw an engine and this is what we got. Banned in Dhaka, although some variations exist in the form of tempos, these are more popular in cities like Sylhet. Slightly more spacious than a rickshaw, the baby taxi is a great mode of travelling short distances in the city as they can make their way through any road regardless of how crowded or narrow they might be. In rural areas, however, baby taxis are the principal mode of covering long distances.


CNG:
The baby taxi’s green cousin that runs on natural gas. CNGs have replaced baby taxis in Dhaka. They pretty much serve the same purpose as their yellow counterparts.
Fun fact: The green color symbolizes the fact that each vehicle is eco- friendly.



Tuk-Tuk:
The ever popular Tuk-Tuk from Thailand is also used in some regions of Bangladesh, mainly Cox’s bazaar. The tuk-tuk is basically like a three-wheeled go-cart. Very much like in Thailand, this vehicle is extremely popular among tourists who enjoy the novelty. 



Taxis:
More common in the metropolitan areas of the country. Taxi is your go to mode of transportation if you want to travel in luxury. The quality of taxis have improved drastically over the years with companies like Toma Taxi bringing you state of the art vehicles in the form the more recent Toyota models.

Up until this point, we have been mostly talking about the smaller forms of transportation. Let us look at some of the comparatively larger means. 

Boats, Launches and Ferries:
Because of Bangladesh’s numerous water bodies, ferries and launches are useful ways to travel long distances. In rural areas, the use of boats is a very common sight to see. In popular tourist spots such as Cox’s bazaar, Jaflong in Sylhet and even the Sundarbans, boat rides are perceived as a novelty.





Railway:
Established during the British period, the railway connects many districts of Bangladesh. It is not only used to travel from one city to another but also within a specific city. Much like buses, there are several classes of trains with local services offering cheaper rates.




Airlines:  
Last but not least, we have the various airlines of Bangladesh who offer domestic flights. Certainly not the cheapest mean to travel, not by a long shot, but it is most definitely the quickest.








There is a wide variety of transportation systems Bangladesh-- they are a dime a dozen. Although some of these means are yet to live up to their full potentials, we have seen a drastic improvement over the last couple of decades.  Hopefully in the coming years, we will see more state of the art technology being implemented. Not on the rickshaws though, they are evergreen!

25 comments:

  1. What a great post. Awesome transportation blog. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information.. travel

    ReplyDelete
  3. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. https://europa-road.eu/hu/transportation.php

    ReplyDelete
  4. Travelling with taxi is always a matter of comfort. If you love to travel full of comfort then you should choose a taxi. If you are looking for a taxi in Zwolle then you can contact Taxibel Centrale. Because they are the best taxi provider in Zwolle.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Taxi is important public transportation for every city. it has many benefits like it is easily affordable and comfortable. In this Covid-19 pandemic, it is the safest public transportation. By using a taxi, we can easily keep social distance. So if you want to hire a taxi in Zwolle, download the taxi Zwolle app.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you �� The international travelers who traveling to Kenya need kenya online visa. That they can apply online and can get the 24*7 customer assistant.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks…… This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Many thanks! Where are your contact details though? Thanks for sharing! You can make an online Indian visa application via mobile phone, computer or desk.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great article this is really informative and innovative: with new updates.with new updates. It was really valuable. Thanks a lot.Some countries allow automatic visa extension India. Travelers can easily apply online for an Indian visa extension. Thus the Government of India has provided an easy-to-use method to apply for the Indian Visa Extension (FRRO Visa Extension) through a simple online application form.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow.. Very informative article thanks for sharing please keep it up.. Indian tourist evisa in 2022 starts issuing long term visas to those who want to travel in India.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  12. Cute blog and post! You can fill your India visa on arrival form within 5 to 10 minutes and get your visa 3 to 5 working days.

    ReplyDelete
  13. There are certain requirements to enter Turkey that travelers need to fulfill. Firstly, a valid passport is essential, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date. The e-Visa can be easily obtained online by completing the application form and paying the necessary fee.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This post informative thanks for sharing .
    Welcome to Identitytransport, your reliable solution for Truck Transporter and Train Transportation in Punjab. We offer efficient and secure services, ensuring seamless logistics for your goods. Trust us for timely deliveries and hassle-free transportation across the region.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Obtaining an evisa for Kenya from USA is a straightforward process that enables American travelers to explore the captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kenya. As a US citizen, you can conveniently apply for the eVisa online through the official Kenyan government website dedicated to visa applications

    ReplyDelete
  16. I think everyone can benefit from the knowledge in this article. In a much-anticipated announcement, Private Sector Holidays For Eid Al Adha 2023 Announced, bringing joy and excitement to employees across various industries. As one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Adha holds great importance for Muslim communities worldwide.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi there! Your encouragement means the world to us, and it motivates us to keep producing exceptional content. Thank you for your support and for being a part of our writing journey. Explore Top Things To Do In Goreme stunning rock formations, hike through ancient valleys, discover unique cave churches, and take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's enchanting landscapes in Goreme. Unforgettable adventures await.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Greetings to all! I sincerely hope that everyone is doing well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for sharing such valuable information. Grenadian travelers! Exciting plans for India? India Visa for Grenada Citizens.You can apply for an e-Visa online. Whether for tourism, business, or health purposes, this digital visa process is hassle-free. Just ensure your passport has six months' validity, a recent photo, and a payment method for the processing fee. Get ready for an amazing Indian adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your unique perspective in this blog post made it a thought provoking and enjoyable read. Keep it up! Saudi Family Visit Visa Fees vary based on the visa type and duration. To plan your family's visit, consider the applicable Saudi Family Visit Visa fees for accurate budgeting.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I shared your post with my friends because I think they'd find it as insightful as I did. Tourism in Canada offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse cultural experiences, making it a top destination for travelers worldwide.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The product is exceptionally satisfying, and delivery is impressively prompt. I'm eagerly looking forward to the launch of more products of this high quality from your brand. Additionally, we have the latest update on Cameroon Visa Requirements. Interested in gaining further insights on this matter?

    ReplyDelete
  22. "Your blog offers a mesmerizing odyssey through the universe of knowledge, artfully fusing facts and narratives. Each post is a delightful revelation, and I'm excited for more of your illuminating content."

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm overjoyed to have stumbled upon this. It's the type of guide that should be disseminated, as opposed to the erroneous information often found on other blogs. I have news to share regarding the Ideal Time to Travel to Saudi Arabia. The best time to visit Saudi Arabia largely depends on your preferences and the kind of experience you seek, as this vast country experiences diverse climates and has different regions of interest.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Brilliant piece! Your perspective on food and nutrition is enriching. Your advice for a healthier lifestyle is invaluable. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Excited for more of your insights

    ReplyDelete