Dhaka’s traffic costs Tk 37,000 crore yearly. Solutions include Metro Rail, monorails, and rail-based freight to save the economy.
Traffic jams take away millions of working hours every day. Workers spend their time on the road instead of working. This reduces the total output of the country. Jams also cause a lot of fuel wastage. Vehicles burn fuel while sitting in gridlock. This is a big national loss. Businesses suffer because goods move very slowly. It makes the cost of doing trade much higher. High traffic also hurts people’s health. Families spend more money on doctors for breathing or stress issues.
How much do traffic jams cost Dhaka’s economy annually?
Traffic congestion in Dhaka results in an annual economic loss of about Tk 37,000 crore. This money is enough to build two new metro lines. Other reports show that Dhaka traffic eats up 2.9% of the national GDP. Some researchers say the total loss is $6.5 billion a year in lost productivity and fuel. The average speed for vehicles in Dhaka has dropped to less than 7 km per hour.
Why do bus drivers and other drivers in Dhaka constantly hit each other?
Drivers in Dhaka are often in a rush to pick up passengers first. This creates a dangerous competition on the road. Bus drivers try to overtake each other from the wrong side. Many buses are old and do not have proper lights or indicators. Drivers often do not follow traffic rules. They fight over space and passengers. This leads to constant scratches and accidents. These accidents are a big economic burden. About 40% of road accidents happen during peak hours. If a bread-earning person is injured, the family faces a financial crisis.
What can the Metro Rail do for a busy city?
The Metro Rail has changed how people travel in Dhaka. It is now seen as the best way to travel. It saves a lot of time for people. For example, a trip that takes 3 hours by bus can be much faster. It is also cheaper than using a private car. Metro stations are clean and neat. Passengers generally respect the rules and stay in queues. It helps people reach their offices on time without the stress of traffic.
What are the plans to solve the traffic problem?
The PM wants to start with electric buses. These buses will be mainly for women to ensure their safety and privacy. He wants to launch this plan within 180 days. Women may also drive these buses. The PM is very interested in monorails. Monorails are cheaper than heavy metro lines. They can be built quickly in crowded areas like Old Dhaka. This will help people in narrow lanes who do not have access to buses.
Another plan is decentralisation. The PM wants to move offices and pressure out of Dhaka. He wants to improve the railway system. High speed trains could allow people to live in Chittagong and work in Dhaka. He also wants to use rivers to move goods more cheaply. The goal is to have one integrated transport system. This means the metro, monorail, and buses will work together.
Why must traffic be organized?
Traffic should be organized under one single authority to work properly. There is a lack of coordination between different ministries. Four different ministries handle roads, rails, water, and air separately. This lack of teamwork makes the traffic worse. A centralized plan is needed to make the system work.
Several key organizations manage the city’s transport system. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) is in charge of planning and coordination. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is a government company. It plans, builds, and operates the Metro Rail (MRT) network. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) handles vehicle registration and licenses. They also check if vehicles are fit for the road. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Traffic Division manages the daily flow of traffic. They are responsible for enforcing traffic laws. The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) operates state-run buses. Other bodies like RAJUK and the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) are also involved. RAJUK approves building plans, and DCC maintains traffic signals.
What are they doing??
Traffic Jams The Economy.
Is There Any Way To Solve This?