Dhaka Traffic Gridlock Eases Slightly as New Measures Take Effect-20260527082612-9370

Dhaka, Bangladesh — Commuters in the Bangladeshi capital experienced a marginal improvement in travel times on Monday as authorities rolled out the first phase of a long-awaited traffic management overhaul. The initiative, which includes dedicated bus lanes, increased traffic police presence, and synchronized traffic signals on key arterial roads, aims to address the chronic congestion that costs the city an estimated $3.8 billion annually in lost productivity.

According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Traffic Division, average vehicle speeds on major routes such as Shahbagh, Farmgate, and Mohakhali increased by approximately 8 percent during peak hours compared to last week. Officials attribute this to the deployment of 1,200 additional traffic officers and the activation of 50 new signal controllers programmed to optimize flow based on real-time data.

“We are seeing early signs of progress, but this is a long-term process,” said DMP Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Md. Muniruzzaman in a press briefing. “Our goal is to reduce average commute times by 30 percent within six months. The cooperation of drivers and pedestrians is essential.”

Despite the cautious optimism, many residents remain skeptical. Rickshaw puller Abdul Karim, 45, who navigates the crowded streets of Old Dhaka daily, said the situation remains chaotic. “The police are trying, but the number of vehicles grows every month. Sometimes I spend three hours just to go from Sadarghat to Motijheel,” he told reporters.

The traffic crisis in Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities with over 22 million people, has been exacerbated by rapid urbanization, a surge in private car ownership, and inadequate public transport infrastructure. The number of registered vehicles in the city has surpassed 1.5 million, with an estimated 100 new cars hitting the roads each day.

International observers have noted that Dhaka’s traffic problems mirror those in other megacities of the Global South, such as Lagos, Jakarta, and Mumbai. However, experts argue that Bangladesh’s unique combination of narrow roads, mixed traffic (including rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and pedestrians), and limited enforcement of traffic laws makes the challenge particularly acute.

“Dhaka’s traffic is a systemic issue that requires integrated solutions, not just quick fixes,” said Dr. Shamsul Alam, a transport economist at the University of Dhaka. “The new measures are welcome, but without significant investment in mass rapid transit, such as the ongoing metro rail project, and strict enforcement of lane discipline, the relief will be temporary.”

The Dhaka Metro Rail, a 20.1-kilometer line from Uttara to Motijheel, is expected to begin partial operations by the end of the year. Once fully operational, it is projected to carry 60,000 passengers per hour, potentially reducing road traffic by 15 to 20 percent. Yet, construction delays and cost overruns have raised concerns about its timeline.

In the meantime, the DMP has introduced a mobile app for real-time traffic updates and urged commuters to use alternative routes during peak hours. The department also announced a crackdown on illegal parking and unlicensed vehicles, which have long contributed to bottlenecks.

For now, residents like university student Nusrat Jahan, 22, are cautiously hopeful. “I spent two hours in a jam yesterday just to go three kilometers. Today, it took one hour and forty minutes. It’s still bad, but maybe there is some change,” she said, adjusting her hijab as she boarded a crowded bus near Shahbagh.

As Dhaka continues to grow, the battle against gridlock is far from over. The success of these measures will depend on sustained political will, public compliance, and the timely completion of infrastructure projects that can offer a genuine alternative to the city’s choked roads.