মোঃ আজহারুল ইসলাম
সহকারী অধ্যাপক
১২ আগস্ট, ২০২৩ ১২:১৫ পূর্বাহ্ণ
Dhaka traffic getting worse day by day
Dhaka
traffic getting worse day by day
The
bustling city of Dhaka is emblematic of urban dynamism and cultural richness.
However, its undeniable charm is often overshadowed by the chaotic and
unmanageable traffic situation that plagues its streets. The dire state of
traffic in Dhaka is a complex issue that is caused by the pervasive unruliness
among road users.
According to news reports, the recent ranking of
Dhaka as the fifth worst city in the world for traffic in the Numbeo's Traffic
Index by City 2023 is a disheartening reminder for us. This stigma highlights
the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in traffic management and
infrastructure development to alleviate the chaos that has become an
unfortunate hallmark of Dhaka's urban landscape.
In comparison to the top four cities on the list
- Lagos, San Jose, Colombo, and Los Angeles - Dhaka's traffic situation is
exacerbated by a unique set of challenges stemming from its immense population
density, inadequate road infrastructure, and insufficient traffic management
systems. The figures from the 2022 and 2023 rankings further emphasize the
worsening state of affairs, with an increase in the average one-way commute
time from 57.8 minutes to 61 minutes. Netherlands' Amsterdam, which boasts the
least traffic congestion globally, stands in stark contrast to Dhaka's
situation.
While Dhaka struggles with over 1.81 million
registered vehicles in the capital and a staggering population of over 22
million, Amsterdam's efficient traffic management and well-maintained road
infrastructure contribute to its smooth flow of traffic. The disparity in
traffic performance between these two cities underscores the importance of
effective urban planning, infrastructure investment, and policy implementation.
The
dire consequences of Dhaka's traffic crisis are not confined to mere
inconvenience; they reverberate throughout the economy and quality of life of
its residents. The 2018 study conducted by BUET's Accident Research Institute
revealed that the city's traffic congestion wasted approximately 5 million work
hours that year, amounting to a staggering loss of Tk37,000 crore to the
economy. Moreover, the subsequent research conducted by the government's BIDS
and the Dhaka-based think tank Policy Research Institute (PRI) estimates that
6-10% of the country's GDP is indirectly forfeited to traffic chaos each year.
These financial losses underscore the imperative for immediate and effective
interventions to address the systemic issues undermining Dhaka's traffic
management.
Spending more time at
the tollbooth as the buses wander around the Gulistan side this traffic jam is
like a curse. Even after taking various initiatives to alleviate the terrible
suffering of traffic congestion, the city is not getting rid of anything.
The damage caused by traffic congestion is
irreparable. Due to the traffic jam, the speed of vehicles has dropped below 10
km per hour. As a result, it takes twice-three times the time to go out for any
work. City dwellers are suffering physically and mentally from being stuck in
traffic for hours. I also go through the same situation every day.
Mayor Hanif Flyover was built to get rid of the
unbearable traffic congestion in the capital. But the flyover which is built to
reduce the traffic jam remains on that flyover. This traffic jam is a daily
occurrence.
The reasons behind this flyover's traffic jam
are for the vehicles as they are parked at various places above the face of the
flyover, and passengers are moved, forcing various vehicles to board the
flyover, spending more time at the tollbooth, etc. In this, the passengers have
to bear unlimited suffering while walking on the flyover paying money. Even
when getting down from Hanif flyover, terrible traffic jam is now a daily
companion. At the Gulistan end of the flyover, buses ply erratically causing
traffic jams. Additionally, almost every day the public transport has to be
stuck in long traffic from Sayedabad to Gulistan for hours.
As a result, passengers are not getting the
benefit for which they are paying extra money. Getting down from the
Gulistan-Jatrabari Mayor Hanif flyover, commuters are to face a traffic jam.
There is daily traffic jam at Gulistan Point. Sometimes that gridlock is
several kilometres long behind the flyover. It is like buying suffering with
extra money. Local buses coming along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway are standing
at the entrance of the flyover to pick and drop passengers. This is causing
traffic congestion at the entrance of the flyover. Even going down to Golap
Bagh in the evening, you have to get stuck in traffic every day. At the same
time, vehicles on the lower road are diverted in front of the flyover. Because
of this, a terrible traffic jam is created.
The traffic jam in Gulistan is now a threat to
passengers entering Dhaka via Jatrabari-Demra, Dhaka-Chittagong highway, Padma
bridge through Dholaipar and other commuters who regularly commute to work on
this route from surrounding areas. During peak hours, the Hanif flyover is
often jam-packed for several kilometres. After getting down from the Hanif
flyover, the some gangs have occupied all the footpaths of the surrounding
roads. In addition to setting up shops on the sidewalks, hawkers also arranged
their products in several rows on the road. Roads are narrowed due to illegal
encroachments, causing serious disruption to traffic. Vehicles have to spend a
lot of time leaving this area due to obstructions on this small road coming
down from the flyover. This has an impact on the Hanif flyover. The queue of
vehicles behind is getting longer. Slow collection of tolls at toll plazas is
also responsible for congestion.
The complex nature of Dhaka's traffic crisis
necessitates a multi-pronged approach that addresses not only the symptoms but
also the root causes of the problem. Improved traffic management systems,
stricter law enforcement, and investments in modern infrastructure are all
critical components of a comprehensive solution. It's imperative to engage
stakeholders from government bodies, urban planning experts, local communities,
and transportation operators to collaboratively develop strategies that will
alleviate the congestion and promote sustainable mobility.
The underlying issue contributing to the Dhaka
traffic nightmare is the low level of adherence to traffic regulations. The
rampant flouting of rules, from disobeying traffic signals to ignoring speed
limits, not only jeopardizes the safety of all road users but also perpetuates
a culture of impunity. When the majority of drivers believe they can get away
with violating rules, the entire traffic ecosystem suffers. It's a vicious
cycle: unruliness breeds chaos, which, in turn, makes individuals more likely
to act recklessly.
Unruliness isn't limited to just vehicular
traffic; pedestrians and public transportation systems also fall victim to this
behaviour. Jaywalking and disregard for pedestrian crossings have become the
norm, endangering the safety of those on foot. Public buses and rickshaws add
to the disorder, often stopping abruptly and creating bottlenecks. The absence
of dedicated lanes for buses and cycle rickshaws further contributes to
congestion, making the overall traffic situation even worse.
The consequences of Dhaka's unruly traffic
extend beyond mere inconvenience. The perpetual gridlocks and congestion result
in wasted time, lost productivity, and increased stress levels among commuters.
Air quality is adversely affected, leading to a rise in respiratory problems
due to prolonged exposure to vehicular emissions. Furthermore, the economic
toll of the traffic chaos cannot be underestimated, as businesses suffer from
delayed deliveries and reduced efficiency. The overall quality of life in Dhaka
is compromised as its residents grapple with the daily challenges posed by the
traffic nightmare.
The worsening traffic situation in Dhaka is a
complex issue with far-reaching implications for its residents, economy, and
environment. The rampant unruliness among road users serves as a primary
catalyst for the chaos that reigns on the streets. To reclaim the city's
vitality and efficiency, a concerted effort is required to cultivate a culture
of discipline, adherence to rules, and respect for fellow road users. By
addressing the underlying causes of the traffic crisis and implementing
strategic solutions, Dhaka can emerge as a model of organized urban mobility,
enhancing the quality of life for its residents and setting a positive example
for other cities facing similar challenges.
The writer is an Editorial Assistant, the Daily
Observer