Dhaka Traffic Gridlock Worsens as City Grapples with Infrastructure and Populati

Dhaka, Bangladesh – The chronic traffic congestion in Dhaka, one of the world's most densely populated cities, has reached a critical point, with commuters reporting record delays and economic losses mounting daily. According to the latest data from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), average vehicle speeds in key business districts have dropped to under 5 kilometers per hour during peak hours, making walking often faster than driving.

Local residents and transport experts point to a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, an increasing number of private vehicles, inadequate road infrastructure, and frequent construction work on major thoroughfares. The problem has been exacerbated by ongoing metro rail and flyover projects, which, while promising long-term relief, have created temporary bottlenecks in areas such as Farmgate, Mohakhali, and Gulshan.

On Tuesday morning, a major traffic jam stretched for over 10 kilometers on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway near the city’s northern entrance, causing thousands of commuters to be stranded for more than three hours. The DMP attributed the delay to a broken-down bus and road repairs, but residents say such incidents have become a daily ordeal.

“I left home at 7 a.m. for my office in Motijheel, but I arrived at 11:30 a.m. This is unacceptable,” said Md. Kamal Hossain, a banker who commutes from Uttara. “The city is becoming unlivable because of this gridlock.”

The economic impact is significant. A 2023 study by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies estimated that traffic congestion costs Dhaka’s economy over Tk 100 billion annually in lost productivity, fuel waste, and health costs from pollution. The study also noted that the average commuter spends nearly 2.5 hours per day stuck in traffic, reducing work efficiency and quality of life.

Efforts to alleviate the crisis have included the introduction of a bus rapid transit system, but it remains incomplete. The Dhaka Metro Rail, partially operational since 2022, has provided some relief on its single line, but coverage remains limited to a small corridor. The government has also announced plans to restrict the use of private cars on certain routes during peak hours, though enforcement has been inconsistent.

Internationally, Dhaka’s traffic woes are part of a broader urban challenge faced by megacities across South Asia and the developing world. Cities like Mumbai, Lagos, and Jakarta share similar struggles with rapid motorization and inadequate public transport. However, Dhaka’s density—over 30,000 people per square kilometer in some areas—makes its situation particularly acute.

Transport experts suggest that long-term solutions require a shift toward mass transit and non-motorized transport. “We need to prioritize walking, cycling, and public buses, not just flyovers and elevated roads,” said Dr. Ayesha Rahman, an urban planner at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. “Without integrated land-use planning and strict traffic management, the gridlock will only worsen.”

In response to the crisis, the DMP has deployed additional traffic police and introduced a mobile app for real-time congestion updates. But commuters remain skeptical. “The app shows red lines everywhere—it doesn’t help. We need action, not just information,” said Farzana Akhter, a university student.

As Dhaka continues to grow, with an estimated 500,000 new residents arriving each year, the traffic problem is likely to intensify unless bold policy measures are taken. The coming months will be crucial as the city tests new parking restrictions and explores congestion pricing, but for now, millions of residents are left navigating the daily struggle of Dhaka’s infamous traffic jams.