11 proposals to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka

A private organisation, the Dhaka Traffic Congestion Mitigation Committee, has put forward 11 proposals as traffic congestion remains one of the most persistent challenges for residents of Dhaka.

The proposals were presented and discussed at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Sunday (April 12), attended by the committee’s leaders and members. The committee’s president, Ishaq Dulal, outlined the recommendations.

Citing a report by the United Nations Development Programme, he warned that Bangladesh’s population could reach between 230 and 250 million by 2050, with a large share concentrated in urban areas. Without timely measures, traffic congestion in Dhaka could worsen significantly.

He also highlighted a sharp decline in average vehicle speed in the capital-from 21 km/h in 2007-2008 to just 4.5-7 km/h at present.

According to a survey by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), commuters in Dhaka spend around 46 minutes stuck in traffic every two hours, adding up to roughly 276 hours per year per person.