Dhaka Traffic Gridlock Worsens as New Construction Projects Add to Congestion

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Commuters in Dhaka are facing worsening traffic conditions this week as a combination of ongoing infrastructure projects, seasonal rains, and a surge in vehicle numbers has brought the city’s already congested roads to a near standstill. Reports from multiple intersections, including key routes like the Mirpur Road, the Airport Road, and the Gulshan-Banani link, indicate delays of up to three hours during peak morning and evening hours, leaving residents frustrated and businesses concerned about productivity losses.

The latest surge in gridlock coincides with the start of several new flyover construction projects under the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) aimed at easing long-term congestion. However, in the short term, these projects have reduced road capacity by up to 40% on major arterials. On Wednesday, the section of the Mohakhali flyover undergoing expansion saw vehicles crawling at less than 5 kilometers per hour, with traffic police struggling to manage the flow. A DTCA spokesperson acknowledged the disruption, stating that the projects are essential for the city’s future and urging patience, but offered no timeline for completion.

Adding to the misery, monsoon rains have flooded low-lying streets, particularly in areas like Tejgaon and Karwan Bazar, forcing vehicles to detour through already packed residential lanes. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall for the next 48 hours, raising fears of further delays. Meanwhile, the number of registered vehicles in Dhaka has exceeded 1.5 million, according to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, a figure that grows by roughly 5% annually, far outpacing the expansion of road infrastructure.

Local commuters expressed growing exasperation. Rickshaw puller Md. Sirajul Islam, who spends up to 12 hours daily on the streets, said, “Every day it gets worse. I can no longer make the trips I used to in an hour. Sometimes I just stop and wait for the traffic to move.” Office worker Fatima Begum, who commutes from Uttara to Motijheel, reported that her usual one-hour journey now takes three hours, forcing her to leave home at 6 a.m. to reach her desk by 9 a.m.

Businesses are also feeling the pinch. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted that traffic congestion costs the city’s economy an estimated 3.5 billion taka per month in lost work hours and fuel wastage. Small business owners, particularly those relying on deliveries, have reported delays in shipments and increased operational costs. “We have to factor in an extra hour for every delivery now,” said shopkeeper Abdul Karim in New Market.

On the international front, Dhaka’s traffic woes have drawn comparisons to other megacities like Jakarta, Manila, and Lagos, where rapid urbanization and inadequate planning have created similar gridlock crises. Urban planners point to Dhaka’s population density of over 23,000 people per square kilometer—one of the highest in the world—as a root cause. Unlike cities like Singapore or London, which have implemented congestion pricing and robust public transit systems, Dhaka’s efforts remain fragmented. The city’s metro rail project, which aims to carry 60,000 passengers per hour, is only partially operational, with the full network expected by 2026.

Traffic police have attempted to mitigate the situation by deploying additional officers at key intersections and using mobile apps to update drivers on alternate routes. However, these measures have had limited impact. The DTCA has called for a public awareness campaign to encourage carpooling and off-peak travel, but critics argue that without a comprehensive mass transit system and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, the problem will persist.

As the city braces for more rain and continued construction, residents are advised to plan extra travel time and consider alternative modes of transport, such as rickshaws or motorcycles, where possible. For now, Dhaka’s streets remain a testament to the challenges of rapid urbanization, with no quick fix in sight.