Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) on Sunday approved 64 on-street parking spots as the crisis of parking place has reached its peak in Dhaka. Besides, City Corporations (North and South City) will establish ‘City Forest’ by evicting illegal occupation on both sides of the road.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader disclosed the information after the 13th board meeting of DTCA at Nagar Bhaban, Dhaka South in the capital. “We have given the approval of some 64 parking places in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area. Besides, we have also directed the police to conduct drive against illegal easy-bikes, battery-run rickshaws and non-motorized vehicles as these vehicles create traffic congestion in some places”, the Minister said.
The Minister said, “The DTCA’s programme, which started last year, had lost its momentum due to dengue situation. Now, we have taken short-term, middle-term and long-term plan to implement the projects of DTCA.” He further said, “BRTA will conduct investigation on easy-bikes, battery-run rickshaws and non-motorized vehicles. To reduce traffic congestion, highway police will take a programme according to the decision of BRTA.”
“Both the north and south city corporations will intensify their drive against illegal occupation of footpaths and such vehicles. If anyone wants to construct building, apart from Rajuk, the authority must also take parking clearance from DTCA”, Quader said. The minister also warned that no infrastructure will be allowed to be built by filling up wetlands in the Dhaka city area.
The meeting also decided to shift all inter district bus terminals of Dhaka city upon ensuring alternative places outside Dhaka. Among others, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Huque and DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon, Narayanganj city mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, Gazipur City mayor Md Jahangir Alam and Narayanganj-2 lawmaker Nazrul Islam Babu, BRTA Chairman Dr Md Kamrul Ahsan, Rajuk Chairman Dr Sultan Ahmed were present at the meeting.
