Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
Dhaka’s rapid urbanisation, while beneficial in some respects, has come with its own set of problems. Traffic congestion is one of the most prominent issues, leading to an average loss of over 3.2 million working hours every day in the city.
In response, the government has undertaken large-scale infrastructure projects such as flyovers to ease traffic flow.
However, many of the spaces beneath these flyovers remain neglected and unused. These vacant spaces are not only inefficient from a planning perspective but also contribute to the city’s issues of overcrowding and poor public facilities.
These spaces are often misused or abandoned. Many are left open and unsupervised, making them vulnerable to encroachment, dumping, and illegal settlements. In some cases, they serve as informal parking lots or are occupied by vendors without proper infrastructure or security.
This underutilization of valuable urban land is a missed opportunity. Flyovers, intended to improve the traffic situation, are only serving their primary purpose, with little consideration for maximizing their potential as multi-functional urban spaces.
The development of green spaces beneath flyovers is one of the most promising solutions to the Dhaka’s shortage of recreational areas.
Urban green spaces play a crucial role in improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and providing a mental break for city dwellers. In Dhaka, where pollution levels often reach hazardous levels, parks and green spaces are not just luxury amenities but necessities for public health.
These spaces could feature community gardens, jogging tracks, and open green lawns where families can spend time outdoors.
The addition of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants would also help to mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization, such as the reduction in biodiversity and the increase in greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, these spaces could provide a venue for public events, festivals, and outdoor exhibitions that contribute to the social fabric of the community. Additionally, the integration of sustainable design practices could be prioritised in these green spaces.
Solar-powered lights, rainwater harvesting systems, and native plants would ensure the environmental sustainability of these parks. The creation of green spaces beneath flyovers could not only improve the urban aesthetic but also contribute to the physical and mental well-being of Dhaka’s residents.
Utilizing vacant spaces beneath flyovers for commercial purposes offers an effective way to boost the local economy while addressing the shortage of commercial spaces. These areas could be transformed into small retail zones, local markets, or food courts that cater to the needs of the surrounding communities.
In Dhaka, informal markets play a significant role in the economy, providing affordable goods and services to the city’s residents.
By creating structured, regulated spaces beneath flyovers, these markets could be organized and sanitized, ensuring safety and hygiene for both vendors and customers. These commercial spaces would provide a low-cost avenue for small businesses and entrepreneurs to operate, fostering innovation and local economic development.
Moreover, flyover spaces could house sports complexes, fitness centers, and yoga studios, encouraging physical activity and healthy living.
This would be particularly beneficial in a city where public parks and recreational areas are limited.
These spaces could also be used for mental health services, rehabilitation centers, and counseling centers, addressing the rising mental health issues in urban populations. Furthermore, outdoor fitness areas equipped with basic gym equipment and jogging tracks could promote active living.
Cities around the world have found creative ways to use empty spaces, especially under flyovers. New York City is known for effectively utilizing these areas, such as the park underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers green space, sports facilities, and walking paths, making it a popular spot for locals.
Similarly, Pier 66 under the West Side Highway has been transformed into a public space with playgrounds, walking paths, and event venues.
In Mumbai, which shares urban challenges with Dhaka, vacant spaces beneath flyovers have been converted into markets and small shops, serving as essential business hubs.
Some areas also provide public restrooms and community service centers to help reduce traffic issues. Tokyo has efficiently used these spots for commerce and social activities, featuring shops, cafes, and communal areas, while integrating green spaces to help combat climate issues.
Singapore has successfully developed public transit facilities and green areas beneath its flyovers, creating a park that not only serves recreational needs but also connects with the city’s transport network, making transportation more convenient for residents.
Paris has established cultural, environmental, and public areas under its flyovers, including parks for walking and venues for art displays and cultural events, which cater to the community’s needs while helping regulate the city’s temperature.
While the proposal to utilize vacant spaces beneath flyovers is promising, several challenges must be addressed to ensure its success: The land beneath flyovers is typically owned by the government or public bodies. However, navigating the bureaucratic processes to obtain approval and allocate resources can be difficult.
Ensuring that the space is used equitably and transparently will require careful planning and legal groundwork.
As public spaces, these areas must be secured to prevent criminal activities. Adequate lighting, security personnel, and surveillance cameras would need to be incorporated to ensure the safety of individuals using the space.
The development and long-term maintenance of these spaces will require significant investment. Public-private partnerships, along with innovative funding mechanisms, may be necessary to sustain these projects over time.
Utilising the vacant areas beneath Dhaka’s flyovers effectively can enhance the city’s surroundings, economy, and community life. Inspired by various cities across the globe, Dhaka can similarly develop its vacant areas in a versatile and efficient way.
This project may represent a crucial move in the progress of Dhaka city, enhancing the living standards of its residents. Enhancing the quality of life in the city can be achieved by effectively utilising the vacant areas beneath the Dhaka flyover.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh
Ansar and VDP).
