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

No respite from Dhaka's traffic jam

Published : Thursday, 26 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 388
Nafew Sajed Joy
Dhaka, the heart of Bangladesh, is a city of contrasts-a hub of economic growth and culture, yet home to one of the most daunting urban challenges: traffic congestion. Despite ambitious development projects like the Elevated Expressway and the Metro Rail, traffic remains an everyday ordeal for most residents. These initiatives have certainly made some improvements, but for countless commuters, the streets of Dhaka remain a labyrinth of frustration. Whenever a development project is completed and the general public is on the verge of benefiting-or begins to enjoy its advantages, even to a small extent-the respite is short-lived. This is because new projects are initiated almost immediately, plunging the public into yet another cycle of disruptions. Over the past several years, Dhaka's residents have found themselves trapped in this recurring pattern of temporary relief followed by renewed challenges.

Take a routine trip from Uttara to Badda or Rampura via Airport Road, for instance. What should be a short commute now stretches into hours, leaving people physically and mentally drained. Even with new infrastructure, congestion along key routes like Abdullahpur to the airport and Kuril Flyover to Jamuna Future Park persists, making daily travel a test of patience. While promising for the future, the construction of the Metro Rail has turned areas like Badda and Rampura into chaotic zones where even walking on sidewalks can feel like navigating an obstacle course.

In the evenings, parts of Uttara, especially Jasimuddin Avenue, transform into gridlocked nightmares. Street vendors occupy little road space left, adding to the bottleneck. The lack of emergency lanes is an even graver issue. For critically ill patients or people rushing to catch a flight, delays can mean the difference between life and death. Families are often left powerless, trapped in a city unprepared for urgent situations.

A report by the Accident Research Institute (ARI) at BUET paints a bleak picture: vehicles in Dhaka crawl at an average speed of just 5 kilometers per hour. This sluggish pace costs the city five million working hours daily, with an annual economic loss of around 37,000 crore BDT. The toll isn't just financial-office workers, students, and even government officials lose precious time stuck on the roads, throwing daily routines and productivity into disarray.

Then there's the financial and environmental cost. Due to traffic jams, the World Bank estimates Dhaka wastes hundreds of crores of BDT in fuel annually. As cars idle for hours, harmful emissions pollute the air, damaging public health and contributing to the city's growing environmental crisis. Rising transportation costs and frequent road accidents add to the burden, with traffic-related fatalities and injuries draining nearly 40,000 crore BDT annually.

The Roots of the Problem: Dhaka's traffic issues result from years of rapid and unplanned urbanization. The city's infrastructure hasn't kept up with its exploding population. An undisciplined public transport system, poor traffic management, illegal parking, and road encroachment create chaos. Dhaka's streets, designed for far fewer vehicles, now bear the load of nearly a million-many of which aren't even roadworthy.

A few days ago, at a press conference, the interim government's advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, stated that there are 14,500 unfit buses operating in Dhaka city. The interim government has given a six-month deadline to remove these buses. Although similar measures have been proposed in the past, they were not implemented effectively. Additionally, efforts to bring all public transport under a unified company system to reduce road chaos have also been initiated several times but have yet to show promising results. If this time it can truly be implemented, it could play a significant role in alleviating traffic congestion in Dhaka.  

Experts warn that if current trends continue, Dhaka's average traffic speed could drop to an unthinkable 4 kilometers per hour by 2035. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a crisis affecting the well-being of millions. Long hours in traffic leave commuters stressed, exhausted, and with little time for family or relaxation. The mental fatigue is palpable, contributing to rising levels of anxiety and depression among residents.  

Can It Be Fixed?
Efforts have been made to address the problem. The government has widened roads, expanded footpaths, and built flyovers, but these measures often feel like Band-Aids on a deep wound. These projects can do so much with an efficient and disciplined public transport system.

Behavioral change is just as critical. Traffic laws are often ignored, and pedestrians frequently take dangerous shortcuts, risking accidents and worsening congestion. Experts at BUET estimate that traffic jams in Dhaka could be reduced by 40% with better traffic management and increased public awareness alone.

Long-term solutions require a comprehensive rethink of Dhaka's transportation system. Expanding mass transit options-such as double-decker buses, water taxis, and light rail-could reduce the number of smaller vehicles clogging the roads. Encouraging cycling, walking, and pedestrian-friendly zones can also ease pressure on the city's overburdened road network.

Decentralization is another key. With Dhaka currently accounting for 36% of the nation's GDP, it's no wonder so many people flock to the city. Relocating industries and government offices to other regions could help distribute the population and reduce the strain on Dhaka's infrastructure.

Innovative measures, like introducing congestion charges during peak hours, could discourage private car use while generating revenue for infrastructure improvements. Automating traffic signaling systems and strictly enforcing traffic laws are other steps that could make a noticeable difference.

A Glimmer of Hope: Dhaka's traffic isn't just a daily annoyance; it's a critical challenge that affects the economy, environment, and quality of life for millions. Extensive research, proposals, and discussions on solutions already exist, but far too often, these ideas remain unimplemented-like the proverbial "cow of the Kazi," existing only on paper. Projects like the Metro Rail and Elevated Expressway are already showing promise, but they can't solve the problem alone. Addressing Dhaka's traffic crisis will require a coordinated effort involving the government, non-governmental organizations, and everyday citizens. Everyone has a role, whether adhering to traffic laws, using public transport, or advocating for systemic reforms.

In the meantime, short-term strategies are urgently needed to ensure that emergency services can function efficiently. For example, creating dedicated lanes for ambulances and fire trucks could save lives while broader reforms take shape.

Dhaka's traffic congestion isn't just about inconvenience; it's a pressing issue that impacts the economy, environment, and quality of life for millions. But with determination, collaboration, and a willingness to change, this gridlocked city has the potential to transform. A brighter, less congested future is possible-if we all work together to make it happen.

Dhaka's traffic is more than a daily hassle; it's a challenge to the city's future. The solutions may take time, but how long can we wait before the gridlock becomes permanent? 

The writer is a contributor



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
This is right time to dismantle RAB
Beware of fireworks on the eve of new year 
Peace in Myanmar, region depends on lasting solution to Rohingya issue
What to do for physical and mental health 
Goodbye 2024: A year marked by new escalated conflicts
Accountability is a must-but how?
Comrade Moni Singh: A legend of sacrifice in politics
A better tomorrow with the awakening of 2024
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: district@dailyobserverbd.com, news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close