Dhaka Traffic Reaches Critical Juncture as New Congestion Data Emerges

Dhaka, Bangladesh, continues to grapple with some of the worst traffic congestion in the world, as fresh data released this week by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) reveals that average vehicle speeds in the capital have dropped to a record low of 6.5 kilometers per hour during peak hours. The report, based on GPS tracking of public and private vehicles across 23 major intersections, indicates that the daily economic loss from traffic jams now exceeds 4.2 billion taka, a figure that has doubled since 2019.

Commuters in Dhaka report that what was once a one-hour journey now routinely takes three to four hours, with bottlenecks at key points such as the Jatrabari intersection, the Farmgate area, and the Mohakhali flyover. The BRTA attributes the worsening situation to a surge in the number of registered vehicles, which has reached over 2.5 million in the city, a 12% increase from last year, while road infrastructure has expanded by less than 2% annually. Pedestrians and rickshaw pullers, who make up a significant portion of daily commuters, face additional delays as sidewalk encroachment and illegal parking reduce available space.

In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a new traffic management initiative, deploying an additional 500 traffic police officers and introducing a digital monitoring system at 15 major junctions. The system, which uses AI-powered cameras to detect violations and adjust signal timings in real time, is expected to reduce average wait times by up to 20% within six months, according to DMP spokesman Md. Faruk Hossain. However, experts caution that technology alone cannot solve the crisis without addressing underlying issues such as unplanned urbanization, lack of integrated public transport, and the proliferation of private cars.

The international dimension of Dhaka's traffic crisis is also drawing attention. A recent study by the World Bank ranked Dhaka as the second most congested city globally, behind only Lagos, Nigeria, with the average commuter spending 3.5 hours per day stuck in traffic. The study warned that if no significant measures are taken, the city could lose up to 6% of its GDP annually by 2030 due to congestion-related productivity losses. This has prompted discussions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where Bangladesh delegates highlighted how traffic congestion exacerbates air pollution, with vehicle emissions contributing to over 30% of Dhaka's PM2.5 particulate matter.

Meanwhile, the government has fast-tracked several infrastructure projects aimed at easing congestion. The Dhaka Elevated Expressway, a 19-kilometer toll road expected to connect the northern and southern parts of the city, is now 70% complete and scheduled to open partially by December 2024. Additionally, the construction of the MRT Line 6, Bangladesh's first metro rail system, is set to begin commercial operations next month, covering 20 kilometers from Uttara to Motijheel. The metro is projected to carry 500,000 passengers daily, reducing traffic on parallel roads by an estimated 15%.

Residents remain skeptical based on past experiences. A survey by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners found that 78% of Dhaka dwellers believe traffic conditions have worsened over the past five years despite government promises. Local shopkeeper Abdul Karim, who operates a stall near the Gulistan intersection, said, "Every day I see people stuck for hours. The new projects are welcome, but we need enforcement of traffic rules and better public transport now, not just promises."

As the city prepares for the upcoming winter season, when fog often worsens visibility and delays, authorities are urging commuters to use alternate routes and consider carpooling. The BRTA has also launched a mobile app providing real-time traffic updates, which has been downloaded over 100,000 times in its first week. Whether these measures will stem the tide remains to be seen, but for now, Dhaka's traffic jam shows no sign of easing.