Dhaka South launches automated traffic signals at Shahbagh, targets 50 more intersections

Dhaka South City Corporation has launched an automated traffic signal system at Shahbagh as part of efforts to modernise traffic management and reduce congestion in the capital.

Dhaka South Administrator Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the system at the Shahbagh intersection today (13 August).

The initiative is being implemented with technical support from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), with 20 major intersections initially selected for the pilot project.

Eight intersections under Dhaka South have been identified for the first phase: Banglamotor, Hotel InterContinental, Minto Road, Kakrail Circle, Matsya Bhaban, Kadam Chattar, Shiksha Bhaban and Shahbagh.

Abdus Salam said the initiative aims to address one of Dhaka's biggest problems – traffic congestion, which consumes a significant amount of residents' working hours.

The Dhaka South plans to introduce the automated system at another 50 major intersections across Dhaka within the next few months. Of these, 22 will fall under Dhaka South's jurisdiction.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to reduce the need for traffic police to manually control signals at intersections. This could save commuters' time and reduce the physical burden on officers working on roads in extreme weather conditions.

However, Salam stressed that technology alone would not ensure the system's effectiveness.

He urged drivers and pedestrians to follow traffic signals and traffic laws, avoid illegal parking and use designated lanes, road markings and zebra crossings properly.

He also called for the removal of roadside obstructions and temporary shops from intersections.