Govt plans smart, integrated utility system to end repeated road digging in Dhaka: Home minister
The proposed system would bring water, electricity and gas lines under a common structure, allowing repairs without repeatedly digging up roads.
The government is planning to introduce a smart, integrated utility system in Dhaka to prevent repeated road digging for installing and repairing water, electricity, gas and other service lines and reduce public suffering, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (15 September).
"We are initially considering a system under which different utility lines would be housed within a single structure. Specific covers could be opened as needed to carry out work on the relevant lines. This would prevent different agencies from repeatedly digging up the same road," he said.
The minister outlined the plan while speaking to journalists after a meeting with representatives of relevant ministries, divisions, authorities and stakeholders at the Secretariat on coordinating development works in Dhaka and surrounding areas.
Utility lines to be integrated
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Salahuddin said roads are often dug up repeatedly because water, electricity and gas works are carried out separately. As a long-term solution, the government is considering an integrated structure for utility lines, although such a system cannot be introduced overnight.
He said work has already begun to gradually move towards the system.
In the meantime, meetings will be held every 15 days to improve coordination of ongoing development works, while focal points have been designated at the official level to facilitate quick communication.
The initiative aims to reduce public suffering and ensure the coordinated implementation of development works, he said.
Coordination is being maintained among projects of various agencies, including metro rail authorities, the Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Bridge Authority, city corporations, WASA, DESA, Bangladesh Railway, BRT and the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA).
Small subcommittee-like structures have also been formed among the agencies, with instructions to expedite work through direct communication. Coordination meetings will be held under DTCA leadership, he added.
Noting that road digging during the monsoon further worsens public suffering, Salahuddin said one agency often repairs a road only for another to dig up the same spot later. To prevent this, the need for utility relocation and other construction work will be coordinated before any project begins.
"If the work is coordinated in advance, necessary works can be completed simultaneously. This will reduce the wastage of public funds and time, as well as public suffering," he said.
AI traffic management, bus terminal relocation
The minister also said traffic management was being improved with artificial intelligence, while steps were being taken to ensure development works did not create new traffic hazards.
"In addition, plans have been taken to change the management of bus terminals to reduce traffic congestion. Bus terminals, including those in Mohakhali and Fulbaria, are planned to be relocated to designated sites outside the city in the future. Work is underway to finalise plans for acquiring and developing the required land," he said.
However, he said implementation would take some time.
Salahuddin said no separate national team comprising all agencies had been formed. Instead, relevant agencies were coordinating among themselves, with inter-ministerial meetings held when necessary.
The government's highest level is also overseeing the process, with responsibilities divided among the relevant agencies.
The long-term goal is to establish an integrated development and utility management system so roads do not have to be dug up repeatedly. In the short term, coordination of ongoing works will be ensured through regular meetings, designated focal points and direct communication.
