Dhaka Traffic Gridlock Commuters Face Record Delays as City Struggles with Worse
Dhaka, Bangladesh — Commuters in Dhaka endured some of the worst traffic delays in recent memory this week, as the city’s chronic congestion reached new peaks, stranding thousands in gridlock for hours during peak hours. The situation, exacerbated by ongoing construction, rain, and a surge in vehicle numbers, has sparked renewed calls for urgent infrastructure and policy reforms.
On Tuesday morning, key arteries such as the Mirpur Road, Panthapath, and the Airport Road saw traffic moving at a crawl, with many commuters reporting travel times that were three to four times longer than usual. The Jamuna Future Park area, a major commercial hub, witnessed bumper-to-bumper conditions from early morning until late evening. Rickshaws, private cars, buses, and CNG auto-rickshaws jostled for space, often blocking intersections and creating a chaotic scene.
Local residents and office workers described the situation as "unbearable." Sharmin Akhter, a software engineer who commutes from Uttara to Motijheel, said her usual 45-minute journey took over three hours. "There was no movement for nearly an hour at the Bijoy Sarani intersection. I was late for a critical meeting, and there was no way to get off the road," she told reporters. Many others shared similar stories, some even abandoning their vehicles to walk or take alternative transport.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has acknowledged the severity of the problem, attributing the recent surge in congestion to a combination of factors. These include ongoing flyover and metro rail construction projects, which have narrowed roads and diverted traffic. Additionally, the city’s vehicle population has grown by an estimated 8% annually, far outpacing road expansion. The recent monsoon rains have further slowed traffic, as waterlogging on low-lying roads forces vehicles to reduce speed or take alternate routes.
Traffic police officials have been deployed in large numbers to manage the chaos, but their efforts are often overwhelmed. "We are trying to clear intersections manually, but the sheer volume of vehicles makes it very difficult," said Inspector Ruhul Amin, who was stationed at the Shahbagh intersection. "People also violate traffic rules frequently, jumping signals and parking illegally, which worsens the situation."
The crisis has also taken a toll on the city’s economy. Delivery services, ride-sharing companies, and small businesses reliant on timely transportation have reported significant losses. Food delivery riders, in particular, have struggled to meet deadlines, leading to customer complaints and reduced earnings. "I used to complete 20 deliveries a day; now I am lucky if I manage 10," said Mohammad Hossain, a rider for a popular app.
Urban planners and transport experts have long warned that Dhaka’s traffic problem requires a multi-pronged solution. They advocate for expanding the public transport network, including the ongoing metro rail project, which is expected to ease congestion on some routes when completed. However, delays in construction have pushed back its full operation. Other suggestions include stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road design, and promoting non-motorized transport like cycling.
Authorities have urged commuters to use alternative routes where possible and to stagger their travel times. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has also announced plans to deploy more traffic officers and use technology to monitor congestion in real time. Yet, for many Dhaka residents, the daily battle with traffic remains a frustrating reality, with no immediate relief in sight. As the city continues to grow, the need for sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has never been more urgent.