CNG-powered auto-rickshaws are one of the most common modes of public transport in Dhaka. As part of a move to make eco-friendly transport more accessible, the government replaced diesel and petrol-powered ‘baby taxis’ with CNG auto-rickshaws back in 2001. In 2007, the number of these vehicles was capped at 13,000. Later in 2012, the number was raised to 15,696. Now, after more than a decade, the government is once again considering increasing that number. Owners and drivers are pushing to raise the cap to 40,000. However, government officials say the number of CNG auto-rickshaws could be increased to a reasonable extent.

As part of this effort, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has sent a letter to the Road Transport and Highways Division. The letter suggests reviewing the actual demand for CNG-powered three-wheelers in Dhaka and making a fresh decision about the cap. It also proposes a similar review for Chattogram. Signed by the BRTA Chairman, the letter requests necessary action on the matter.

CNG owners and drivers argue that while demand for these vehicles has grown, their numbers have not. Back in 2001–2002, Dhaka covered about 129 square kilometers. Today, it is expanded to 270 square kilometers. Over the same period, the city’s population has jumped from 8 million to around 20 million. In this context, they believe the cap on CNG auto-rickshaws in Dhaka should be raised to 40,000.

Whether that happens or not will be decided by the Dhaka Metropolitan Transport Committee. A source in the committee told Bonik Barta that the number may not go as high as 40,000. But it could be raised to a reasonable level. The committee will consider factors such as passenger demand, road capacity, and how well the city can accommodate more of these vehicles.

In a letter sent to DTCA, the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) noted that owner-driver associations have long been demanding the cap be raised to 40,000. There has also been a similar push in Chattogram. Meanwhile, the ride-sharing company Obhai Solutions Ltd has requested registration for 8,000 CNG-powered auto-rickshaws across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet under its fleet. The division’s letter suggested that a decision should be made after discussions with all stakeholders—such as the transport committee, DTCA, and others—and after evaluating the real demand for CNG-powered three-wheelers.

When asked about this, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, told Bonik Barta, “There’s clearly a need for three-wheelers for daily commuting in Dhaka. Based on that, we’ll work to rationalize the number of CNG-powered auto-rickshaws.”

He also shared that the government is planning to introduce electric auto-rickshaws in Dhaka. “We’re working toward approving electric rickshaws that are safe, passenger-friendly, and suitable for Dhaka,” he said. “We’ve already started discussions with manufacturers, BUET, and other concerned parties. We are working on how to gradually phase out battery-run rickshaws and bring in this safer alternative.”