Dr. Md. Shamsul Arefin :
Dhaka’s traffic congestion has become synonymous with frustration for its millions of residents. This problem has been threatening productivity, public health, and the overall quality of life.
Despite efforts to improve infrastructure, including the construction of flyovers and the metro rail project, traffic mismanagement remains a critical issue.
Solving Dhaka’s traffic problems requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the root causes and the symptoms. A comprehensive strategy for facilitating traffic management would require cooperation from various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and public bodies, and well-mannered people to effectively reduce Dhaka’s traffic problem.
Resolving Dhaka’s traffic congestion requires a holistic and forward-thinking approach that integrates modern technology, sustainable transport solutions, better urban planning, and effective governance.
There is a need to find out alternatives to private car use. Educational institutions can hire 52 seated buses for carrying their students instead of using 52 private cars.
A school of 400 hundred students requires only 8 buses instead of 400 cars. A school can start “School Catchment Area” rule strictly that means only family of students living within one kilometer radius of school are allowed to enroll their kids in that school.
A school can start hiring nearby building for their student’s hostel. Monthly rent for hostel or bus fare for journey will be borne by students themselves, school does not need to pay anything. Just they need to arrange facilities and implement strictly.
Metropolitan magistrates can start their courts at 20 Thana levels in the city if the law permits, then litigant and accused persons do not need to go to one single location of the city of 20 million people. At the same time, police do not need to go with arrested accused in one single location.
Dhaka medical college and hospital can start their functioning at eight corners locations in the City having all facilities hiring private buildings.
People in this city have a great attraction of treating their patients in this government owned medical college and hospital especially for its name and fame and low cost. People face accidents on streets, burn patients or for any fatal injuries, they use to go the DMCH at first because it does not need money and the treatment is paramount.
Private universities in Dhaka city may be relocated outside Dhaka main city. Construction of outer ring roads and bypass routes around Dhaka would divert long-distance traffic away from the city center.Introduction of automated traffic lights based on real-time traffic flow would help manage congestion at intersections more efficiently.
Government and corporate offices should open their sub offices to satellite towns to reduce the pressure on Dhaka. Dedicated bike lanes and promoting cycling as a viable transport option could reduce reliance on motor vehicles.
Pedestrian walkways can reduce the bus to move in for short trips. Charges forvehicles entering highly congested areas, especially during peak hours may be introduced to incentivize people to use public transport. GPS and mobile apps to provide real-time traffic information and suggest alternative routes to drivers can be introduced. Use of e-governance and remote working options to reduce the necessity for daily commuting may be a good option to reduce traffic jam.
Companies and government offices can implement staggered work hours for reducing the concentration of traffic during rush hours. Opportunities for remote working, especially for jobs or university classes that don’t require daily physical presence in the office or universities may reduce overall traffic volume. Universities can start their only theoretical classes online may be twice in a week.
Various agencies like the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC), and telecommunication companies often dig roads without coordinating with one another. This results in frequent digging of the same road multiple times in a short span, disrupting traffic. Moreover it takes months long digging. But road must be repaired under concerted effort and the road construction needs to be done by 3 shifts a day means 24 hours, so that construction work can be completed within 7 days maximum.
The introduction of intelligent traffic signal systems that adjust light timings based on real-time traffic data can significantly improve flow at busy junctions.Moreover, traffic monitoring using drones and closed-circuit cameras can help law enforcement monitor roads more effectively.
By keeping an eye on key points in the city, traffic police can quickly respond to accidents, breakdowns, or illegal parking, which often aggravates congestion.
One of the most visible contributors to Dhaka’s traffic congestion is the misuse of public spaces for parking. Cars parked haphazardly on streets and sidewalks reduce road space and slow down traffic. To tackle this, designated parking zones should be established, particularly in commercial areas where roadside parking is rampant.The city needs to invest in multi-story parking facilities and encourage businesses to do the same.
One of the most effective long-term solutions to Dhaka’s traffic problem lies in decentralizing economic activity. Currently, a significant portion of the city’s traffic flows toward a few central hubs like Gulshan, Motijheel, and Dhanmondi. The management may encourage businesses, industries, and public offices to relocate to satellite towns and less congested areas surrounding Dhaka.
Dhaka’s major economic activities, government offices, and educational institutions are all concentrated in a few central areas. This centralisation leads to heavy traffic during commuting hours, as people travel to and from the same locations.Decentralizing economic activities by developing satellite cities around Dhaka is crucial to relieving pressure on the capital. Purbachal, Savar, and Gazipur have been identified as potential hubs for growth, and further investment in these areas will help reduce the daily influx of people into Dhaka.
As Dhaka continues to grow, addressing its traffic crisis is not just a matter of convenience but of necessity – for the economy, the environment, and the well-being of its citizens.The time for action is now. A well-managed, efficient, and livable Dhaka is possible, but it requires immediate and coordinated efforts to tackle the traffic challenges.
(The writer is Adjunct Faculty, Bangladesh Instituteof Governance and Management, Dhaka).