Dhaka News City Grapples with Traffic Congestion Amid Infrastructure Push
Dhaka, Bangladesh — As one of the world's most densely populated cities, Dhaka continues to face severe traffic congestion, a daily ordeal for its over 20 million residents. Recent reports indicate that the average commute time in the capital has increased by 15% over the past year, with some routes taking up to three
Dhaka, Bangladesh — As one of the world's most densely populated cities, Dhaka continues to face severe traffic congestion, a daily ordeal for its over 20 million residents. Recent reports indicate that the average commute time in the capital has increased by 15% over the past year, with some routes taking up to three hours during peak hours. This has sparked renewed debate among urban planners and government officials about the effectiveness of ongoing infrastructure projects.
The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has acknowledged the growing crisis, attributing it to rapid urbanization and a surge in private vehicle ownership. According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, the number of registered cars in Dhaka has crossed 1.5 million, a 10% rise from 2023. This has overwhelmed the city's road network, which was designed for a fraction of that capacity.
In response, the government has accelerated several mega-projects, including the Dhaka Metro Rail and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The metro rail, partially operational since 2023, now covers 20 kilometers of the city, but expansion has been slower than anticipated. Officials project that the full 128-kilometer network will not be complete until 2030, leaving many commuters skeptical. Meanwhile, the BRT project, intended to ease congestion on major arteries, has faced delays due to land acquisition issues and construction disputes.
Local residents have expressed frustration. Rickshaw puller Mohammad Alam, 45, who navigates the streets daily, said, "Every day is a struggle. The roads are clogged, and the air is polluted. We need better public transport, but it takes too long." Similarly, office worker Fatima Begum, 32, noted, "I spend four hours commuting each day. It affects my health and family time."
Environmental experts have also raised concerns. Air quality in Dhaka frequently ranks among the worst globally, with traffic emissions a major contributor. Dr. Shahidul Islam, an environmental scientist at the University of Dhaka, warned, "The congestion is not just a logistical issue; it's a public health crisis. Prolonged exposure to vehicle fumes increases respiratory diseases."
On the international front, Dhaka's struggle mirrors challenges in other megacities like Mumbai and Jakarta. The United Nations has highlighted the need for sustainable urban transport in developing nations, urging investment in mass transit and non-motorized options. In a recent report, the World Bank noted that Dhaka loses an estimated $3 billion annually due to traffic congestion, equivalent to 1.5% of Bangladesh's GDP.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The government has introduced a traffic management system using AI and CCTV cameras to monitor and optimize signal timings. Additionally, a pilot project for electric rickshaws aims to reduce pollution. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient without stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better urban planning.
As Dhaka prepares for its next phase of development, the question remains whether infrastructure can catch up with demand. For now, the city's residents continue to navigate the gridlock, hoping for a smoother ride ahead.