Dhaka City Expands Public Transport Faces Ongoing Urban Challenges

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has launched a new phase of its urban mobility initiative, introducing additional electric buses and expanding the city’s bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors. The upgrades, announced by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), aim to ease chronic traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. The new fleet of 50 electric buses began operations in mid-2024, connecting key residential zones in Uttara and Mirpur with commercial hubs in Motijheel and Gulshan.

The expansion marks the second phase of the city’s BRT system, which initially launched in 2018 with limited success due to inadequate infrastructure and resistance from local vendors. This time, authorities have worked closely with community leaders and city planners to minimize disruptions. Temporary markets along the BRT corridors have been relocated, and dedicated lanes have been widened to accommodate both buses and emergency vehicles.

Environmental experts have welcomed the shift toward electric public transport. According to a recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, Dhaka’s air quality has worsened over the past decade, with vehicle emissions contributing to over 60% of ambient particulate matter. The introduction of electric buses is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 1,200 tons annually, a modest but significant step in the city’s broader climate resilience strategy.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Traffic congestion remains a daily ordeal for commuters, with average travel speeds in central Dhaka dropping below 10 kilometers per hour during peak hours. Critics argue that the city’s infrastructure is not keeping pace with its rapid population growth, which now exceeds 22 million in the greater metropolitan area. Urban planners have called for integrated land-use and transport policies to prevent further sprawl and promote sustainable development.

Internationally, Dhaka’s urban development efforts are being noted as a case study in South Asia’s evolving megacities. The World Bank has recently approved a $250 million loan to support sustainable urban transport in Bangladesh, with a focus on improving non-motorized transport infrastructure such as pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes. The funds will also support digital transit management systems, including real-time tracking and mobile ticketing apps.

In parallel, concerns about urban flooding have intensified. Heavy monsoon rains in July 2024 overwhelmed drainage systems in low-lying areas such as Kawran Bazar and Dhanmondi, leading to widespread waterlogging and disruptions to essential services. City officials have pledged to upgrade stormwater drainage networks by 2026, but progress remains slow due to bureaucratic delays and budget constraints.

Local civil society groups continue to advocate for more inclusive planning. “The benefits of new infrastructure should not only go to the wealthy,” said Ayesha Rahman, a Dhaka-based urban policy analyst. “We need more affordable housing, accessible public spaces, and better services for the millions who live in informal settlements.”

As Dhaka continues to grow, balancing modernization with equity remains a central challenge. While the city’s recent transport upgrades signal progress, long-term sustainability will depend on coordinated governance, community engagement, and sustained investment in resilient urban systems.