Friday | 10 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Friday | 10 January 2025 | Epaper

Traffic jams harmful effects on health and productivity

Published : Thursday, 19 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 469
Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Bangladesh's urbanization is rapid, but its cities, especially Dhaka, are suffocating under the burden of traffic congestion. The daily lives of employees and workers are severely impacted as they lose nearly half their productive hours to gridlocks. This phenomenon not only hampers the economy but also severely affects the mental well-being and efficiency of the workforce. Comparing the situation in Bangladesh to other countries highlights the depth of the problem and offers insights into potential solutions.

In Dhaka, the average daily commute takes approximately three to four hours for many workers, according to a 2023 World Bank report. This means that a significant portion of their working day is spent stuck in traffic, leaving them stressed and fatigued even before they reach their workplaces. The total loss in productivity due to traffic congestion in Dhaka alone is estimated to cost the country 3.5% of its GDP annually. For a developing nation like Bangladesh, this is a staggering economic loss, compounded by the intangible costs of deteriorating mental health among its citizens.

This issue is not unique to Bangladesh; many developing and even developed countries have faced similar challenges. However, the degree and persistence of traffic congestion in Dhaka stand out. In Jakarta, Indonesia, for example, residents spend an average of two to three hours daily in traffic. To address this, the Indonesian government implemented the TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has significantly reduced commute times for those using public transport. Dhaka, despite having initiated projects like the metro rail, has yet to see such transformative changes.

The mental health impact of prolonged traffic exposure is well-documented. A 2022 survey by the Dhaka Tribune revealed that nearly 70% of daily commuters in Dhaka experienced heightened stress levels due to traffic jams. The long hours spent in cramped, uncomfortable public transport or private vehicles contribute to anxiety, irritability, and even depression. 

A study in the Philippines showed similar findings, where Manila's infamous traffic jams led to higher cortisol levels-a marker of stress-among commuters. Workers and employees subjected to such stress daily often carry it into their work environments, affecting their performance and interactions with colleagues.

In developed countries, the relationship between commute times and mental health has also been studied extensively. A 2019 study by the Royal Society for Public Health in the United Kingdom found that commuters who spent more than 30 minutes traveling to work reported lower levels of satisfaction and higher stress levels. In contrast to Dhaka, where public transport options are often unreliable and unsafe, cities like London and Tokyo have invested heavily in efficient and comfortable transit systems. These systems ensure that even longer commutes are relatively stress-free, mitigating their impact on mental health.

The economic ramifications of traffic-induced inefficiency in Bangladesh are profound. According to the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), the average worker loses up to 102 working days annually due to traffic delays. For a country aiming to boost its manufacturing and service sectors, this loss is untenable. In comparison, Singapore, a city-state with one of the world's most efficient transport systems, minimizes productivity loss through strategic urban planning and stringent traffic management policies. Singapore's introduction of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system has effectively reduced congestion during peak hours, ensuring that workers can commute with minimal delay.



To address this crisis, Bangladesh can learn from countries that have successfully tackled similar challenges. In Curitiba, Brazil, the implementation of a cost-effective BRT system transformed the city's transportation landscape. The system, designed to prioritize buses over private vehicles, has significantly reduced commute times and improved the quality of life for residents. Similarly, South Korea's Seoul once faced severe traffic congestion but turned things around by investing in an integrated subway and bus system. These measures not only alleviated traffic but also encouraged the use of public transportation, reducing the city's carbon footprint.
Bangladesh's current initiatives, such as the construction of the Dhaka Metro Rail and various flyovers, are steps in the right direction. However, these projects alone cannot solve the problem. A holistic approach is required, one that includes policy reforms, infrastructure development, and a shift in commuter behavior. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and staggered shifts can help reduce peak-hour traffic. Such measures have been effectively implemented in countries like Germany, where companies encourage employees to avoid peak commuting times.

Moreover, the role of public transportation in mitigating traffic congestion cannot be overstated. Upgrading and expanding the public transport network in Bangladesh is crucial. Introducing more buses, modernizing their fleets, and ensuring safety and reliability can encourage people to shift away from private vehicles. India's Delhi Metro serves as an excellent example, having transformed the commuting experience for millions by providing a fast, efficient, and affordable alternative to road travel.

Enforcing traffic regulations is another critical area where Bangladesh must improve. In Dhaka, a lack of discipline among drivers, combined with inadequate enforcement, exacerbates congestion. Lessons can be drawn from countries like Japan, where strict adherence to traffic rules and efficient road management contribute to smooth vehicular movement. Implementing smart traffic systems with real-time monitoring and automated penalty mechanisms could be a game-changer for Bangladesh.

Beyond infrastructure and policies, public awareness is vital. Campaigns to promote the benefits of carpooling, cycling, and walking can reduce the number of vehicles on the road. In Copenhagen, Denmark, nearly 40% of residents commute by bicycle, thanks to dedicated bike lanes and a culture that values sustainable transport. While such a shift might seem ambitious for a city like Dhaka, incremental changes, such as creating safe cycling routes, could pave the way for broader adoption.

Addressing the mental health impact of traffic congestion requires both immediate and long-term strategies. Companies can play a role by offering mental health support and flexible work options to their employees. Meanwhile, urban planners and policymakers must prioritize creating liveable cities where commuting does not equate to suffering.

The loss of half the working time due to traffic jams in Bangladesh is a crisis that demands urgent action. It is not just an inconvenience; it is a drain on the nation's economy and a serious threat to the mental health and productivity of its workforce. 

Learning from countries like Singapore, Brazil, and Japan can provide a roadmap for Bangladesh to transform its urban transportation systems. With the right investments, policies, and public cooperation, the country can move toward a future where traffic jams no longer hold its workforce hostage. The time to act is now, for the cost of inaction is far too great.

The writer is Clinical Researcher & Vision Scientist and Assistant Professor & Research Fellow, Management and Science University, Malaysia



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