Dhaka's overhead cable chaos: No end in sight?

Highlights:

• Cable clutter is widespread across Dhaka, even in upscale areas
• Hanging cables pose serious safety risks
• City corporation's removal drives stalled after operator strikes
• Most operators ignore regulations; associations claim no control
• Many cables are hung without permission, worsening disorder
• Urban planners recommend underground ducts or organised overhead wiring
• Experts call for strict regulations, enforcement and coordination

The footpaths at the intersection of Gulshan's Road No 35 and 44 remain completely blocked by a chaotic tangle of low-hanging overhead cables, forcing pedestrians onto the road and posing significant safety risks.

Umme Habiba, a regular commuter in the area, finds it increasingly difficult to navigate the footpaths.

"If footpaths are blocked by cables in areas like Gulshan, how can Dhaka be cleaned? Accidents are happening due to these hanging wires. In some places, internet and TV cables are so tangled that they could cause serious incidents at any time. City corporation drives to remove these wires were once visible, but they are no longer seen," she told The Business Standard.

This issue is not confined to Gulshan. A recent survey of several areas, including Uttara, Abdullahpur, Badda, Rampura, Moghbazar, Eskaton, Mirpur, Agargaon, Mohammadpur, Old Dhaka, Gabtoli, Dhanmondi, Paltan and Motijheel, revealed a widespread lack of management regarding overhead wires.

Unplanned urbanisation, pollution, encroachment and disorganised public transport have already contributed to Dhaka's reputation as an "ugly" capital city.

Adding to these problems is the visual pollution caused by the entangled overhead cables, which not only mar the city's appearance but also throw up severe safety hazards.

Previous initiatives to clear excess cables

In 2020, Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation launched drives to remove illegal cables, but these efforts have since stalled.

The initiative faced strong opposition from the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) and the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB), which called for strikes.

The strikes were called off after the government agreed to halt further cable removals.

Md Iqbal Hossen, office secretary of COAB, said, "We have more than 1,000 cable operators in Dhaka. They have been informed about the rules and regulations to prevent public suffering, but most of them do not comply. As an association, we lack the authority to enforce compliance—the local operators operate under their own leadership."

Residents have expressed growing concerns over the unchecked spread of cables. Many see it as a major obstacle to the city's development and modernisation.

Hasiv Billah, a resident of Old Dhaka, recounted a recent fire incident caused by tangled wires.

"The electricity poles in front of my house are covered in internet and cable TV lines. A fire broke out a few days ago, which local residents had to extinguish," he said. 

"The situation remains unchanged. The way the wires are tangled around my house makes me feel like I am living inside a wire warehouse. Even while walking, my head gets stuck in the cables. We need a permanent solution."

What city corporations have to say

The city corporations acknowledge the problem but cite difficulties in enforcement and coordination.

The chaotic web of overhead cables creates a visual blight and poses a safety hazard, forcing pedestrians to navigate the streets with caution and further overcrowding the already congested footpaths. The photo was taken at Dhaka’s Eskaton area, recently. Photo: Md Jahidul Islam

Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, chief engineer of Dhaka North, said, "We attempted to move cables underground in areas like Uttara through utility ducts, but the internet and TV cable providers did not comply. These wires are a major issue for us as well. The city corporation alone cannot resolve this."

He added, "Those responsible for this mess use city corporation street light poles without permission. Most of the connections are illegal. We will gradually take action against these violations."

Md Aminul Islam, chief engineer of Dhaka South, added, "Some of these operators are contractually allowed to use city corporation poles, but most are doing so illegally. The main issue is a lack of coordination between organisations. Now that the problem has escalated, we will take action."

Expert recommendations

Experts suggest that simply shifting cables underground may not be feasible in Dhaka's current state. Instead, they propose regulatory enforcement and structured cable management.

Adil Mohammed Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), said, "Coordination between organisations is crucial. If agencies work together, separate above-ground ducts can be built, as seen in other countries. The current situation is not only destroying the city's appearance but also causing frequent accidents."

He further noted, "Cable operators must be brought under strict regulations. Why are there so many internet and TV cable providers in one area? Their unchecked expansion has resulted in thousands of tangled, mostly illegal, cables. The city corporations should be given the authority to disconnect illegal connections and enforce rules in collaboration with all relevant organisations."

How other cities manage overhead cables

Cities worldwide have adopted different strategies to manage internet and cable TV wires, depending on urban planning, technological advancements and regulatory frameworks.

Many modern cities have transitioned to underground cabling to eliminate visual clutter and enhance safety.

Singapore has nearly eradicated overhead cables by shifting all internet and TV lines underground, creating a more organised and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Tokyo's advanced urban planning includes extensive underground utility tunnels, reducing surface-level disruptions.

In cities where underground cabling is not viable, strict regulations ensure proper organisation.

New York City mandates permits for cable installation, enforcing adherence to safety standards.

Service providers must coordinate with the city authorities to prevent unnecessary disruptions.

Some cities effectively manage utility poles to maintain order. Despite its dense urban landscape, Hong Kong ensures relatively neat cable bundling.

Similarly, San Francisco enforces regulations to ensure that cables are properly installed and maintained.

Dubai's smart city projects incorporate centralised control systems for utilities, including internet and cable TV wires, minimising clutter and enhancing service reliability.

Regular maintenance and strict enforcement of cable regulations could significantly improve Dhaka's situation.

Experts stress that by adopting global best practices, the city can reduce visual pollution, improve safety and move towards becoming a more modern and liveable metropolis.