Dhaka Elevated Expressway (DEE) is unlikely to reopen to the public soon as two toll plazas were set ablaze at Mohakhali and Banani during the violence on July 18 and 19. Besides, Dhaka metro rail services have remained suspended since July 18 following arson attacks on two metro stations during the ‘complete shutdown’ enforced by anti-quota protesters.
As elevated expressway and metro rail services remain suspended, traffic congestion has worsened further in the capital city, forcing many commuters to get to their destination on foot. Commuters especially office-goers are suffering a lot as they have to get stuck in traffic jam for hours.
The capital city has been witnessing severe traffic congestion for the past one week, causing immense suffering for them. We, the general people, are spending extra money and time due to the chaotic movement of public transport in the city. So, the authorities concerned should take steps immediately to bring discipline on the city roads. Many think the increase in the number of rickshaws and other vehicles is the main cause behind heavy traffic congestion.
As elevated expressway and
metro rail services remain
suspended, traffic congestion
has worsened further in the capital city
We also express concern over gridlock as it seems that there is no end to people’s sufferings. Traffic jam not only eats up our time but also saps our energy. Illegal occupation of spaces under flyovers has also led to traffic jam.
As many as seven lakh non-motorized vehicles such as rickshaws, vans and carts have been also plying the city roads alongside motorized vehicles which have greatly contributed to the city’s traffic jam. Motorized and non-motorized vehicles are also kept on city’s main roads in a scattered way.
Both Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka North City Corporation have undertaken a set of measures, including revival of river routes, construction of new roads and modernisation of existing traffic system in coordination with the government’s multilateral approach to ease traffic congestion.
It is the responsibility of traffic police, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), city corporations and bus owners’ organisations to maintain order in public transport. The authorities concerned must take integrated, coordinated and effective measures to bring discipline on roads as early as possible. Considering the chaotic traffic situation in the city, they should reopen elevated expressway and metro rail immediately.
