Dhaka City Updates New Traffic Plan and Infrastructure Projects Aim to Ease Cong

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is set to implement a series of new measures aimed at tackling its notorious traffic congestion and upgrading urban infrastructure. City officials announced on Wednesday a comprehensive traffic management plan, alongside several ongoing infrastructure projects, as part of efforts to improve daily life for its over 20 million residents.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) unveiled a revised traffic circulation plan for key intersections in the city, effective from next Monday. The plan includes dedicated lanes for buses and emergency vehicles, revised signal timings at major junctions such as Shahbagh, Farmgate, and Mohakhali, and a crackdown on illegal parking and roadside vendors that often obstruct traffic flow. DMP Commissioner Md. Asaduzzaman Mia stated in a press briefing that the new measures are based on data from recent traffic surveys and aim to reduce average commute times by up to 20 percent during peak hours.

In parallel, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) are advancing several major infrastructure projects. The long-delayed Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover extension is now 80 percent complete, with officials expecting it to open for traffic by the end of the year. The flyover is designed to connect key commercial and residential areas, easing pressure on the city’s road network. Additionally, the expansion of the Hatirjheel Lakefront area, including new pedestrian walkways and green spaces, is nearing completion, providing residents with more recreational options.

Waterlogging, a persistent problem during the monsoon season, is also being addressed. The city corporations are working with the Bangladesh Water Development Board to deepen and widen major canals, including the Begunbari and Kalyanpur canals, to improve drainage. A DSCC spokesperson said that over 40 kilometers of canals have been cleared of encroachments and silt this year, which should significantly reduce flooding in low-lying areas.

On the environmental front, Dhaka continues to grapple with severe air pollution, but new initiatives are underway. The Department of Environment has launched a pilot program to monitor and control emissions from brick kilns and construction sites in the city’s outskirts. Furthermore, the government has announced plans to introduce 200 electric buses for public transport by early next year, part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions. The buses will operate on five major routes, with charging stations to be installed at key depots.

Internationally, Dhaka's urban challenges are drawing attention from development partners. The World Bank has approved a $500 million loan to support the Dhaka Green and Resilient Urban Development Project, which focuses on improving solid waste management, upgrading slums, and enhancing climate resilience in the city. The project, set to run from 2024 to 2029, aims to benefit over 3 million residents in vulnerable areas.

Despite these efforts, critics argue that implementation remains a hurdle. Local urban experts point to past projects that have faced delays due to bureaucratic red tape and land acquisition issues. The Dhaka Urban Transport Authority has acknowledged the challenges but insists that coordination between agencies has improved. A senior official noted that the government is now using satellite imagery and real-time traffic data to monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.

Residents have expressed cautious optimism. “We’ve heard promises before, but this time the coordination between different agencies seems better,” said Mohammad Ali, a businessman who commutes daily from Uttara to Motijheel. “If the flyover opens on time and the traffic plan works, it will save us hours each week.”

As Dhaka continues to grow rapidly, with an estimated 400,000 new residents arriving each year, the pressure on its infrastructure is immense. The city’s authorities are racing against time to implement these updates, hoping to create a more livable and efficient urban environment. Whether these latest measures will succeed remains to be seen, but for now, Dhaka’s residents are watching closely.