Each year, thousands of new vehicles hit Dhaka鈥檚 roads, putting immense pressure on the already overstretched infrastructure. The unchecked growth of private transportation has only deepened the city鈥檚 gridlock, writes MA Hossain
DHAKA is not just the country鈥檚 economic and administrative hub but also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Unfortunately, one of its most persistent and frustrating problems is severe traffic congestion, which affects millions of residents daily. With a population exceeding 20 million and a road infrastructure woefully inadequate for such a large number of vehicles, traffic jams have reached critical levels. The problem is further aggravated by unplanned urbanisation, an unstructured public transport system, weak traffic control, political events and the continuous increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive understanding of its causes, effects and potential solutions.
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Causes
AT THE heart of Dhaka鈥檚 traffic woes is rapid and unregulated urbanisation. The city has expanded haphazardly, with little regard for urban planning or infrastructure development. Government offices, corporate headquarters, educational institutions and healthcare facilities are concentrated in specific areas, creating a disproportionate demand for transportation. Meanwhile, the road network is insufficient and fails to keep pace with the city鈥檚 exponential population growth. The lack of zoning regulations and a coherent long-term development plan has resulted in residential, commercial and industrial zones overlapping chaotically which further exacerbates congestion. Additionally, mass political events bring parts of the city to a standstill.
Compounding this issue is Dhaka鈥檚 outdated road infrastructure. Roads make up only about 7鈥�8 per cent of the city鈥檚 total area 鈥� far below the 25 per cent recommended for major urban centres. Many of these roads are narrow, poorly maintained and prone to waterlogging during the monsoon season. Furthermore, ongoing construction projects, including flyovers, metro rail lines and elevated expressways, have reduced available road space which created bottlenecks and intensified congestion.
The city鈥檚 disorganised public transport system also plays a significant role in the traffic crisis. Buses, the primary mode of public transport, operate without a centralized regulatory framework. Unregulated bus stoppages, overlapping routes and reckless driving contribute to traffic chaos. Rickshaws, though a vital means of transport for many, occupy significant road space and move unpredictably. The absence of designated lanes for buses and rickshaws only adds to the disorder.
Weak traffic management and lax enforcement of traffic laws further compound the crisis. Drivers frequently flout regulations, engaging in reckless driving, illegal parking and violations of traffic signals. Traffic police struggle to control the overwhelming volume of vehicles, particularly during peak hours. The limited use of technology, such as automated traffic signals and real-time monitoring, hampers effective traffic management.
Adding to the congestion is the rising number of private vehicles. With public transport often unreliable and unsafe, many residents prefer private cars and motorcycles. Each year, thousands of new vehicles hit Dhaka鈥檚 roads, putting immense pressure on the already overstretched infrastructure. The unchecked growth of private transportation has only deepened the city鈥檚 gridlock.
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Cost of congestion
THE economic impact of traffic congestion in Dhaka is staggering. Hours lost in traffic translate into lost productivity, slowing economic growth and costing Bangladesh billions of dollars annually. Office workers, business owners, and daily labourers alike suffer from prolonged commutes, reducing overall efficiency and output.
Beyond economic losses, Dhaka鈥檚 traffic congestion takes a severe toll on public health. Air pollution from vehicular emissions contributes to rising cases of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other pollution-related illnesses. Noise pollution, caused by constant honking and gridlocked roads, leads to increased stress and mental fatigue, further diminishing the quality of life. In addition, traffic delays for emergency vehicles often mean the difference between life and death.
Students also bear the brunt of traffic congestion, frequently arriving late to schools and universities. This not only disrupts their academic performance but also creates logistical challenges for parents and teachers who struggle to manage schedules and ensure punctuality.
The mental and social strain caused by Dhaka鈥檚 traffic situation is undeniable. Long hours spent in transit lead to frustration, aggression and heightened stress levels among commuters. The resulting fatigue affects productivity and social interactions, leaving less time for family and community engagement.
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Pathways
ADDRESSING Dhaka鈥檚 traffic crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Expanding and maintaining the road network is essential. Constructing new roads, widening existing ones, and completing flyovers, underpasses and expressways will help ease bottlenecks. The timely completion of the metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit systems is crucial in providing alternative transportation options and reducing pressure on the roads.
Improving public transport is another key solution. A well-regulated, safe and efficient system can significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles. Dedicated bus lanes, modernised fleets and proper service monitoring will make public transportation a more attractive and viable option for commuters.
Strict enforcement of traffic laws and the integration of technology into traffic management are also necessary. Automated traffic signals, smart cameras, and real-time traffic monitoring can improve efficiency and reduce violations. Strong penalties for reckless driving, illegal parking, and traffic rule violations will act as deterrents.
Decentralising economic activities can also help alleviate congestion. Relocating government offices, corporate headquarters and large institutions to suburban or satellite cities would distribute the population more evenly and reduce transport demand in central Dhaka. Similarly, regulating the movement of rickshaws and private vehicles by restricting access in high-traffic areas and implementing peak-hour congestion charges could help control vehicle numbers.
Public awareness campaigns must also play a role. Encouraging civic responsibility, adherence to traffic rules, and the use of designated pedestrian crossings can contribute to a more orderly traffic environment. Collective behavioural change is essential in ensuring the success of any traffic management strategy.
A centralised regulatory authority overseeing transport management and traffic enforcement would help coordinate efforts across different government agencies and stakeholders. Such an entity could streamline public transport services, rationalise bus routes and implement comprehensive traffic solutions.
Finally, political events and VIP protocol culture must be reassessed. Political gatherings that disrupt citywide mobility should not be permitted and the privilege of VIP protocol should be restricted to only the president, prime minister and foreign dignitaries. Eliminating unnecessary road blockages caused by such events would significantly ease congestion.
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Call to action
DHAKA鈥橲 traffic congestion problem is complex, but it is not insurmountable. A well-planned combination of urban restructuring, improved public transport, strict law enforcement and technological integration can transform the city鈥檚 transportation system. If both short-term and long-term measures are effectively implemented, Dhaka can move toward a future where daily commuting is no longer a nightmare.
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MA Hossain is a political and defence analyst based in Bangladesh.
