Making existing infrastructures functional can solve city traffic issues: Experts

Traffic experts have called for making existing infrastructures functional to improve traffic management in Dhaka city within a month, suggesting clearing sidewalks and roads of unauthorised obstacles.

During a discussion titled "Dhaka's Traffic Jam: Is a Solution Possible Right Now?" held in the city today (16 November), Kazi Md Shifun Newaz, assistant professor of Buet's Accident Research Institute, highlighted that the city's current infrastructure could be optimised with minimal effort.

Newaz said, "Free usable sidewalks for pedestrians and dedicated roads for vehicles. This should not take more than a month, as a month is sufficient to raise public awareness on this issue."

He emphasised that the key to managing Dhaka's chronic traffic congestion lies in proper utilisation of existing roads and spaces, warning that inaction could worsen the situation.

Clearing path for pedestrians, vehicles

Newaz recommended to clear sidewalks of encroachments, including street vendors and construction materials, which often spill over onto public roads.

"We have designed the city for vehicles, not for people," he said, stressing that sidewalks must be returned to pedestrians and roads dedicated to vehicles.

Newaz added, "Traffic management relies on three main pillars: roads, vehicles, and road users. While the road network in our city is insufficient, are we maximising the use of what we have?"

Experts agree that optimising the current road network should be the first priority before considering the construction of new infrastructure.

Role of intersections to congestion

The issue of excessive intersections was also raised as a major contributing factor to traffic congestion.

Shifun Newaz pointed out that within just two kilometres of road in Dhaka, there are at least 10 intersections—five on each side—which is far higher than what is found in countries that have successfully reduced traffic gridlock. "Countries that have reduced traffic congestion have far fewer intersections, allowing smoother flow of vehicles," he said.

 "In Dhaka, intersections are crowded with shops, rickshaws, hawkers, and other activities. If the police ban such activities within 100 metres of intersections, congestion will be reduced," Newaz added.

Another significant issue is illegal parking, Shifun Newaz said enforcement of Illegal parking fines can reduce traffic congestion.

Criticising the failure of Nagar Paribahan, he said, "Why do Nagar Paribahan projects keep failing? We fail to identify the root causes and address them. As a result, projects are repeatedly launched but continue to fail. Bus route rationalisation is successful worldwide. We need to determine why it isn't working here."

Dhrubo Alam, deputy transport planner at the Dhaka Transportation Coordination Authority, acknowledged the difficulties of resolving Dhaka's transport problems. "Dhaka city sees around 4 crore public transport trips daily, but the metro rail only carries 4 lakh passengers. Without prioritising public transport, there will be no solution," he said.

Dhrubo also noted the inefficiency of bus stops, where multiple buses from the same company often arrive at the same time, contributing to congestion. He stated, "We need at least three more months to address these issues effectively."

Sigmind.ai founder and traffic data analyst Abu Anas Shuvom said, "In Dhaka, it's not just traffic jams, but traffic chaos. With 24 types of vehicles on the city streets at once, disorder is inevitable. Most roads lack lane markings, and after 8 PM, traffic police presence is minimal."

The way forward

Rickshaws, many of which are illegal, must be removed from main streets and replaced with electric buggy cars," Shuvom recommended.

Shuvom concluded by advocating for lane-based traffic management and improved signalling to streamline traffic flow and reduce the chaos on Dhaka's streets.

Experts recommended immediate action to clear roads and sidewalks, enforce regulations against unauthorised use of public spaces, and educate the public on the importance of following traffic rules. If these measures are swiftly implemented, experts believe traffic in Dhaka could see significant improvement within a month.