Overview of Public Procurement for BRT Corridor Electric Buses
The Government of Bangladesh is developing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka and plans to deploy electric buses as the operating fleet. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) is leading the procurement program, which is expected to proceed through international competitive bidding (ICB) on the PMS public procurement platform.
Dhaka BRT Line-3, connecting the airport and Gazipur across a 20 km corridor, is being implemented with Asian Development Bank (ADB) financing. The project envisions an initial fleet of 50 electric buses and an eventual scale-up to 200 units. At an estimated unit price of USD 300,000 to 500,000, the total procurement envelope reaches roughly USD 60-100 million. This creates a credible opening for Korean EV bus makers such as Korea Motor, Edison Motors, and BYD Korea, as well as battery suppliers including Korea Energy Solution, 코리아SK On, and Korea SDI.
Technical Specifications for Electric Buses
BRT-dedicated electric buses must meet more demanding requirements than standard city buses, including large-capacity battery systems, fast charging capability, and technical suitability for dedicated BRT lanes. DTCA's tender package is expected to follow ADB standards and include both 12-meter standard buses and 18-meter articulated units.
| Item | 12m Standard | 18m Articulated | Common Requirement | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Length | 12m | 18m | Low floor | UN ECE |
| Passenger Capacity | 80-90 | 120-150 | Seated + standing | ADB standard |
| Battery | 250-350kWh | 400-500kWh | LFP/NMC | UN 38.3 |
| Range per Charge | 250-300km | 200-250km | With A/C | Real-world basis |
| Charging Method | DC 150kW+ | DC 300kW+ | CCS2/GB/T | Overnight + fast charge |
| Air Conditioning | Electric A/C | Electric A/C | 45C tropical spec | Tropicalized |
| Floor Height | 340mm | 340mm | Platform compatible | BRT-dedicated |
| Warranty | 8 years / battery | 8 years / battery | 15 years body | Long-term |
Status of the Dhaka BRT Project
Dhaka BRT Line-3 is Bangladesh's first BRT line, linking Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with the Gazipur industrial cluster over a 20 km route. The ADB is providing USD 260 million in financing, and civil works have reportedly advanced beyond 60%. The electric bus tender is expected to be issued as a separate ICB package, alongside charging infrastructure such as depots, chargers, and power intake facilities. In line with Dhaka's air pollution mitigation and decarbonization agenda, the BRT fleet has been designated as fully electric.
Bid Strategy for Korean EV Bus and Battery Companies
The BRT Corridor electric bus package represents one of the largest electric mobility public procurement opportunities currently emerging in Bangladesh, with an estimated scale of 200 vehicles and USD 60-100 million. Because the tender is expected to be financed by the ADB and structured through ICB, Korean EV bus suppliers are well positioned to compete. The most credible approach is to combine Korea Motors Elec City's global operating track record with the technical capability of Korea's leading battery manufacturers, while using blended EDCF financing and an EPC charging infrastructure proposal to reinforce price competitiveness and secure an early-mover advantage in Bangladesh's EV bus market.