Dhaka's unrelenting traffic congestion has long been more than just an inconvenience , and in the process it has become one of the capital's greatest obstacles to economic productivity, environmental sustainability and quality of life.
Against the backdrop of this ominous reality, the government's renewed emphasis on developing an Inner Circular Ring Road alongside a modern circular waterway undeniably offers an encouraging vision that deserves both public support and responsible implementation.
However, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday, government officials outlined the progress on the Inner Circular Ring Road, including ongoing construction on key sections connecting Rayerbazar, Hazaribagh and Kamrangirchar. With nearly half of the work reportedly completed, the project appears to be moving beyond the planning stage. Once completed, the road is expected to divert long-distance traffic travelling between Dhaka and major regional corridors, including Sylhet, Mawa and Chattogram, away from the city's already overburdened streets. Such a dynamic project can significantly improve traffic flow while reducing travel times and fuel consumption.
Equally important is to note - the proposal to revive Dhaka's 110-kilometre circular waterway. For decades, our policy makers had turned their back on the rivers and canals that once served as its lifeblood. Re-imagining these waterways as an integral component of the urban transport network represents a welcome shift in thinking.
Water transport offers several advantages for a complex city as Dhaka: It is environment friendly, energy-efficient and capable of moving huge numbers of passengers without adding pressure to the city's congested roads. Moreover, the proposed use of electric-powered vessels further strengthens the project's environmental credentials while aligning with the broader global transition towards cleaner urban mobility.
However, infrastructure alone cannot solve Dhaka's transport crisis. Success will depend on comprehensive planning, effective coordination among multiple agencies and sustained investment in maintenance and public services. That said - the ring road and waterways must be seamlessly integrated with existing bus networks, metro rail, pedestrian facilities and last-mile transport options. Without such connectivity, even the most ambitious projects risk falling short of their intended benefits.
Ensuring accountability and transparency must also be in the centre throughout the implementation process. In Bangladesh , large infrastructure projects frequently encounter delays, cost overruns and land acquisition disputes. Ensuring proper oversight, environmental safeguards and regular public disclosure of progress will help build confidence and maximise public value.
In conclusion , we believe the proposed circular transport system offers more than a solution to traffic congestion - it also reflects a broader opportunity to reshape Dhaka into a smarter, greener and more resilient city.
The challenge , however, now lies not in conceiving bold ideas but in delivering them efficiently, inclusively and sustainably. Dhaka has waited long enough for a transport system that matches its aspirations. This initiative could well mark the beginning of that long-overdue transformation.
