Dhaka Traffic Gridlock Reaches Critical Levels as New Measures Announced
Traffic congestion in Dhaka has reached unprecedented levels this week, with commuters reporting delays of up to five hours on major routes, including the Gulshan-Mohakhali link road and the Airport Road. The situation has sparked widespread frustration among residents and prompted the Dhaka Metropolitan Police to announce a series of emergency measures aimed at easing the gridlock.
According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, the average vehicle speed in the capital has dropped to less than 7 kilometers per hour during peak hours, a figure that ranks among the worst globally. Officials blame the surge in congestion on a combination of factors, including ongoing construction projects, an increase in private vehicle registrations, and a lack of effective traffic management systems.
In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Traffic Division has introduced temporary bus-only lanes on key corridors, such as the Mirpur Road and the Pragati Sarani, to prioritize public transport. Additional traffic police personnel have been deployed at 50 major intersections, and mobile courts are now operating to penalize illegal parking and unauthorized vehicle use. However, early reports suggest that these measures have had limited impact, with many drivers ignoring the new lanes and enforcement remaining inconsistent.
The crisis has also drawn attention from international observers, as Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with an estimated 20 million residents. A recent study by the World Bank highlighted that traffic congestion costs Bangladesh’s economy approximately 3.5 billion dollars annually in lost productivity and fuel consumption. Urban planners argue that without significant investment in mass transit and infrastructure, the situation will continue to deteriorate.
Commuters have expressed growing anger and despair. Local resident Mohammad Rafiq, a software engineer who travels from Uttara to Motijheel daily, described his ordeal: "I leave home at 7 a.m. and often reach my office after 10 a.m. The same journey takes over two hours in the evening. It is destroying my health and my work-life balance." Similar stories are common among the city’s workforce, with many considering alternative work arrangements or relocating to less congested areas.
The government has acknowledged the severity of the problem and is exploring long-term solutions. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority recently announced plans to accelerate the construction of the Mass Rapid Transit Line 6, a metro rail project that is expected to begin partial operations by 2025. Additionally, proposals for a comprehensive traffic management system, including synchronized traffic signals and real-time monitoring, are under review.
Internationally, the Dhaka traffic crisis serves as a case study for other rapidly urbanizing cities in South Asia and beyond. Experts point to successful examples in cities like Singapore and London, where congestion pricing and strict enforcement of traffic rules have reduced gridlock. However, adapting such models to Dhaka’s unique socio-economic context remains a challenge.
Meanwhile, the daily struggle continues. Pedestrians navigate chaotic footpaths, while rickshaw pullers and bus drivers compete for limited road space. The air quality in the city has also worsened, with vehicle emissions accounting for a significant portion of pollution. Environmental groups have called for stricter emission standards and a shift to electric vehicles, but progress has been slow.
As the week ends, authorities have urged citizens to use public transport and stagger their travel times. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police have promised stricter enforcement in the coming days, but for many residents, the promise of relief feels distant. The gridlock, they say, has become an inescapable part of life in the capital.