Semi-auto traffic signals to debut Dhaka

Staff Reporter :

Dhaka is set to introduce a semi-automatic traffic signaling system at seven busy intersections today (30 August) as part of a two-week pilot project, the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) announced on Friday.

The pilot will cover intersections along the route between Shikkha Bhaban and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, including Hotel Intercontinental, Banglamotor, Sonargaon, Farmgate, Bijoy Sarani, the Chief Adviser’s Office, and Jahangir Gate. If successful, the system will be extended to 15 additional intersections.

To operate the system, police boxes have been established at each location, staffed by a controller, two traffic police operators, and representatives from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).

The signals will run in both automatic and manual modes.
Buet has already trained Dhaka Metropolitan Police personnel to operate the system. During the trial, awareness campaigns for drivers and pedestrians will be conducted through leaflets and television broadcasts.

The project is part of a broader initiative to modernise traffic management across 22 intersections along the High Court-Airport corridor.
The program is being implemented under DTCA’s coordination, funded by Dhaka North and South city corporations, with technical support from Buet.

Earlier this morning, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Sheikh Moinuddin, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Ministry of Railways, DTCA, the two city corporations, Roads and Highways Department, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police, inspected the Intercontinental-Jahangir Gate route ahead of the launch.