Over the past few days, the capital has been experiencing significant traffic congestion, stretching from the afternoon until Iftar, even though Eid shopping has not yet started.
Over the past few days, traffic congestion has become a common sight along the VIP road, extending from the narrow streets of certain areas. Even the elevated expressway has not been spared from the gridlock. Vehicles are often seen at a standstill for extended periods, particularly at the entrance to the main road, with cars unable to move forward.
Across various areas of the capital, including Mohammadpur, Shyamoli, Kalyanpur, Mirpur-10, Agargaon, Karwan Bazar, Sonargaon, Satrasta, Mohakhali, Banani, Kakoli, Vijay Sarani, Farmgate, Gulshan-1, Gulshan-2, Link Road, and Pragti Sarani, severe traffic congestion has also been witnessed.
The government is implementing various projects including metro rail, flyover, road widening, construction of flyover to speed up Dhaka by reducing traffic congestion. At present, apart from opening a section of elevated expressway, a Metrorail route, several small and large flyovers have also been constructed within the city. Despite this, traffic congestion in the capital cannot be controlled.
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expert and professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering (BUET), Hadiuzzaman said, “We don’t have many options to solve Dhaka’s traffic jam. If we can make the maximum use of the roads by managing the demand, keep them free from illegal encroachment, remove mismanagement, and introduce a modern bus system, then it is possible to keep Dhaka’s traffic at a tolerable level not only during Ramadan, but throughout the year.”
As the holy occasion Eid is approaching, authorities concerned are fearing worsening traffic conditions in Dhaka. Hence, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), the regulatory agency for transportation, plans to intensify monitoring efforts in heavily congested areas.
BRTA will arrange special surveillance along with the operation of mobile courts in traffic-prone areas including important intersections, commercial areas, and food shops to keep the traffic congestion of Dhaka tolerable.
This decision was taken in a meeting at the head office of BRTA with the aim of keeping Dhaka and surrounding areas free from traffic jams on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid.
BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Majumder told Bangladesh Post, “Dhaka city has about 110 intersections. There are markets, shopping malls, terminals in various places. Basically, traffic congestion is more in these areas. On the other hand, there is a traffic jam due to iftar shops on the road. To stop them, we have requested the market committee or association that they work to decongest the respective roads through volunteering.”
“Nothing can be placed on the road. Cars cannot be allowed to stand side by side. The DMP has been asked to look into matters through raids or inspections. Along with this, our mobile court will also be on the road,” added Nur Mohammad.
Traffic-Gulshan Deputy Police Commissioner Abdul Momen said the condition of the road is terrible. Private cars are everywhere. There is no space between vehicles on the road. All members of our department are trying their best.
It has been found that most of the offices and educational institutions of the capital are starting at the same time during Ramadan. It is becoming difficult to handle the amount of vehicles coming on the road between 8 am and 9:30 am. Because of this, the city dwellers have to suffer from traffic jams from the beginning of the day.