“Optimizing Road Transport Operations in Bangladesh’s LPG Sector: Infrastructure, Safety, and Sustainability”

Abstract

This thesis exposes how road transport operations for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Bangladesh can be optimized across three interlinked dimensions: infrastructure, safety, and sustainability. Using a mixed-methods approach policy and industry document review, stakeholder interviews and a structured survey of drivers and depot managers the study identifies bottlenecks in road infrastructure and modal links, evaluates current safety practices and incident causes, and assesses opportunities to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Key findings show: inadequate dedicated LPG corridor design and depot access increases trip time and risk; safety gaps are driven by vehicle condition, driver training, and weak enforcement of standards; fuel inefficiency and empty-run ratios raise costs and emissions. The thesis proposes an integrated action framework, physical infrastructure upgrades, operational protocols and data-driven routing, a mandatory safety management system, capacity-building for drivers, and incentives for cleaner fleets to improve efficiency, reduce accidents, and advance sustainability while remaining feasible within Bangladesh’s institutional and economic context.