HELEMUL ALAM

As part of government directives, Dhaka’s two city corporations are set to take coordinated measures to ease traffic congestion, which include clearing footpaths and roads, introducing semi-automated traffic signals, and bringing rickshaws under a regulated framework.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam yesterday said traffic congestion is not solely a matter of signal management but also involves clearing encroached footpaths, managing intersections, and improving overall coordination.

“Traffic is a multi-dimensional issue. All these issues are interconnected, and we are trying to address them in a coordinated way,” he said.

Salam stressed the need to regulate street vendors, noting that unplanned occupation of roads and footpaths significantly contributes to congestion.

“We cannot allow the entire city to be taken over by vendors. If footpaths and roads are occupied, normal movement becomes impossible. To address this, we are planning designated evening markets in about eight locations across Dhaka. Vendors will be accommodated there so they do not occupy major roads,” he said.

He added that the aim is not to remove livelihoods, but to ensure balance.

“We want vendors and rickshaws to exist, but people must also be able to move freely. No one should be deprived of civic facilities. Vendors and rickshaw operators must come under a disciplined system while ensuring public convenience.”

Describing the current situation as unsustainable, Salam said Dhaka has nearly become paralysed due to congestion.

“This cannot continue. We must restore functionality to the city, and that requires cooperation from all stakeholders.”

He said locations for the proposed vendor markets will be finalised in consultation with law enforcement agencies. “Vendors cannot occupy major streets where traffic pressure is highest. Instead, we will provide alternative spaces,” he added.

On battery-powered vehicles, Salam said discussions will be held with engineers from Buet. “These vehicles will remain, but they must be regulated. Issues such as speed control and braking systems need to be standardised.”

He also said certain major roads, particularly VIP routes, may gradually be restricted to vehicles that meet specific speed and operational standards, while slower vehicles could be redirected to alternative routes.

Echoing similar concerns, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan said multiple infrastructural and management issues are contributing to congestion.

“There are problems with footpaths, illegal structures, and U-turn systems. We have discussed these issues in meetings involving police and other agencies, and work is already underway,” he said.

He added that meetings, including one with the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, have focused on resolving key infrastructural problems, such as unplanned streetlight poles in the middle of roads.

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