Dhaka City Updates Infrastructure Pollution and Public Transit Developments

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, continues to grapple with rapid urbanization and its associated challenges, as new updates from city authorities and environmental agencies highlight ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, combat pollution, and enhance public transportation. The Dhaka North City Corporation and Dhaka South City Corporation have reported progress in several key areas, while residents and experts raise concerns about the pace of change.

In infrastructure news, the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited has announced that the construction of the MRT Line 6, the city's first metro rail, is now 85 percent complete. The line, stretching from Uttara to Motijheel, is expected to begin partial operations by December 2023, with full service anticipated by mid-2024. Officials say the metro will carry up to 500,000 passengers daily, significantly reducing traffic congestion on major routes. However, delays in land acquisition and utility relocations have pushed back earlier timelines. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project, connecting the airport to the city center, has reached 60 percent completion, with the first phase expected to open to traffic by early 2024.

Air quality remains a pressing issue in Dhaka, which consistently ranks among the world's most polluted cities. The Department of Environment reported that the Air Quality Index in parts of the city exceeded 200 on several days in October, classified as 'very unhealthy.' The government has introduced a new policy requiring all brick kilns within a 50-kilometer radius of the city to use cleaner technology by 2025, but enforcement remains weak. Environmental groups, such as the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, have filed a petition with the High Court demanding stricter measures against industrial emissions and construction dust. In response, the city corporations have deployed additional water sprinklers on major roads and increased fines for open burning of waste.

Public transit improvements are also underway, with the introduction of 100 new electric buses on 10 routes, funded by a World Bank loan. The buses, which began trial runs in September, are part of a plan to reduce reliance on diesel-powered vehicles and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Commuters have reported mixed experiences, with some praising the air-conditioned cabins and punctuality, while others note overcrowding during peak hours. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority has also launched a mobile app for real-time bus tracking, though users have flagged glitches in navigation.

On the international front, Dhaka's urban challenges have drawn attention from global organizations. The United Nations Development Programme has partnered with the Dhaka South City Corporation to pilot a waste-to-energy plant in the Kamrangirchar area, aiming to process 1,000 tons of waste daily and generate 10 megawatts of electricity. The project is part of a larger initiative to improve solid waste management in low-income neighborhoods. Additionally, the World Bank has approved a $500 million loan for the Dhaka Sanitation Improvement Project, which targets reducing untreated sewage discharge into rivers like the Buriganga and Turag. These rivers, vital for the city's water supply and transportation, have seen a 30 percent drop in pollution levels since 2021, according to the Department of Environment, though they remain ecologically stressed.

Residents have expressed cautious optimism about these developments. Rickshaw puller Mohammad Ali, 45, who commutes from the Mirpur area daily, said, 'The new buses are good, but we need more of them. The roads are still jammed for hours. I hope the metro will change that.' Meanwhile, university student Fatima Rahman, 22, highlighted the need for better pedestrian infrastructure. 'The footpaths are often blocked by vendors or broken. It's dangerous to walk in many areas,' she said.

City officials acknowledge the challenges but emphasize progress. Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam stated in a recent press conference, 'We are working on multiple fronts simultaneously. The metro, expressway, and new buses are long-term solutions. But we also need citizens' cooperation to keep the city clean and follow traffic rules.' The government has also announced plans to build 10 new flyovers and underpasses by 2025, with contracts awarded to local and Chinese firms.

As Dhaka continues to evolve, the balance between rapid development and sustainability remains delicate. With a population exceeding 10 million and growing, the city's ability to adapt will be closely watched both at home and abroad.