Dhaka City Updates New Traffic Measures and Infrastructure Projects Unveiled-20260527114744-4540

Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a bid to ease chronic congestion and improve urban living, Dhaka city authorities have announced a series of new traffic management measures and infrastructure projects. The initiatives, unveiled by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) in coordination with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), aim to address the city's growing transportation challenges.

Starting next week, the city will introduce dedicated bus lanes on key arterial roads, including the Mirpur Road and the Pragati Sarani. These lanes will be operational during peak hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Violators will face fines starting at 2,000 Bangladeshi Taka, with stricter penalties for repeat offenders. The move is expected to reduce travel time for commuters by up to 30% on these routes, according to the DSCC.

In addition, the BRTA has rolled out a new digital platform for vehicle registration and license renewal, accessible via a mobile app. This system aims to cut down on bureaucratic delays and reduce the need for physical visits to government offices. Citizens can now complete these processes online, with a target of processing 90% of applications within 48 hours. The app also includes a feature for reporting traffic violations directly to authorities.

On the infrastructure front, the DNCC has inaugurated a new flyover at the Mohakhali intersection, a notorious bottleneck. The 1.2-kilometer structure, built at a cost of 4.5 billion Bangladeshi Taka, is expected to ease traffic flow for over 100,000 vehicles daily. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, also includes pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes, promoting non-motorized transport.

Meanwhile, the DSCC has launched a large-scale drainage improvement project in the Old Dhaka area, which has been plagued by waterlogging during monsoon seasons. The project involves the construction of 15 kilometers of new drainage lines and the renovation of existing ones. It is part of a broader 20 billion Bangladeshi Taka initiative to upgrade the city's water management system, scheduled for completion by 2026.

On the environmental front, Dhaka's air quality remains a concern. The city ranked among the world's most polluted in recent IQAir reports. In response, the government has intensified efforts to curb dust from construction sites and enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles. The DNCC has also planted 50,000 saplings along major roads this month, aiming to increase green cover by 10% over the next year.

Internationally, Dhaka's urban challenges have drawn attention from global development organizations. The World Bank has pledged $500 million in additional funding for the Dhaka Urban Transport Project, which includes the expansion of the bus rapid transit system and the development of a 20-kilometer elevated expressway. This funding is part of a broader effort to support sustainable urbanization in Bangladesh, which is one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia.

Residents have expressed mixed reactions. Mohammad Karim, a rickshaw puller in Mirpur, told reporters that the new bus lanes might help but worried about the impact on his income. "If buses get their own lanes, people might use them more, but I hope the city also thinks about us," he said. Meanwhile, university student Aisha Rahman welcomed the digital initiatives, noting that "online services save time and reduce hassle."

As Dhaka continues to grow, with an estimated population of over 22 million, these updates reflect a concerted effort by authorities to modernize the city. However, experts caution that sustained investment and public cooperation are essential for long-term success. The coming months will test the effectiveness of these measures in transforming Dhaka into a more livable metropolis.