40 new cars hit Dhaka streets every day: DTCA

The number of private cars plying the streets in the capital is on the rise as 40 new cars are added to the plethora of four-wheelers every day, according to Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA).

The data were presented at a discussion arranged by DTCA at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the World Car Free Day. 

Currently, around 7 lakh motorbikes and 2.87 lakh private cars are plying the streets of the capital, according to the data. 

DTCA Executive Director Khandoker Rakibur Rahman said people taking rides in private cars amount for only 10 percent of total commuters in the city.

He said traffic jam will be aggravated with the increasing number of private cars. "Currently, millions of working hours and huge fuel are being wasted and pollution is increasing due to congestion," he said. 

Rakibur mentioned that steps will be taken to control the private cars on completion of several projects such as metro rail, bus rapid transit and road infrastructure construction. 

Currently, 80 percent of city passengers travel within 5 kilometres while half of them commute to a distance of only two kilometres on an average, he said.

DTCA held the chaotic traffic system across the capital as well as unsuitable road condition for cycling and walking responsible for the increasing number of four-wheelers.

It expressed the hope that the number of private cars will decrease with the improvement of road and traffic condition. 

DTCA Additional Executive Director ASM Ilias also spoke at the event.