Dhaka Traffic Gridlock Worsens as City Grapples with Infrastructure and Monsoon

Commuters in Dhaka faced another day of severe traffic congestion on Monday, with reports of gridlock extending for hours across major thoroughfares, including the Airport Road, Mirpur Road, and the Mohakhali Flyover. The delays, exacerbated by ongoing construction work for the metro rail extension and persistent monsoon rains, have left residents frustrated and businesses struggling with logistics.

According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the traffic volume on key arteries has increased by nearly 20% over the past month, coinciding with the reopening of schools and offices after the Eid holidays. The DMP traffic division has deployed additional personnel at strategic points, but officials acknowledge that the sheer number of vehicles, estimated at over 1.5 million in the city, overwhelms the existing road network.

“The situation is critical, especially during peak hours from 8am to 11am and 5pm to 9pm,” said Inspector Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, a DMP traffic spokesperson. “We are trying to manage the flow by adjusting signal timings and diverting traffic from the most congested spots, but the infrastructure is not keeping pace with the growth in vehicle numbers.”

The monsoon season has further compounded the problem. Heavy rainfall over the weekend led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, including Malibagh and Shantinagar, forcing vehicles to slow down or take alternative routes. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the coming days, raising fears of even longer delays.

Local businesses have reported significant losses due to the congestion. “Our delivery times have doubled, and some orders are being cancelled because we cannot guarantee timely arrival,” said Rashed Karim, owner of a small courier service in Gulshan. “We are considering hiring more bikes, but that adds to the chaos on the roads.”

The government has acknowledged the problem and is implementing short-term and long-term measures. The Road Transport and Highways Division has announced a plan to complete the metro rail project by 2025, which is expected to reduce traffic by up to 30% on key corridors. Meanwhile, the Dhaka City Corporation is working on improving drainage systems to mitigate waterlogging.

However, experts argue that more urgent action is needed. Dr. Naznin Sultana, an urban planner at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said, “The city needs an integrated public transport system, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and better pedestrian infrastructure. Without these, the congestion will only get worse.”

On the international front, similar traffic woes are being reported in other major Asian cities, including Jakarta and Manila, where rapid urbanization and inadequate public transport are leading to chronic gridlock. The World Bank has warned that traffic congestion in Dhaka costs the economy an estimated $3 billion annually in lost productivity and fuel wastage.

For now, Dhaka residents are bracing for more delays. Many are turning to ride-sharing services and motorcycles, but the roads remain clogged. “I spent three hours just to go from Uttara to Motijheel today,” said Farhana Akhter, a bank employee. “It’s exhausting, but we have no choice. This is life in Dhaka.”