The government has decided to gradually automate traffic signals across Dhaka as part of efforts to modernize traffic management and ease congestion in the capital.
The decision was taken at a special meeting at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon told Dhaka Tribune.
Several key decisions were taken during the meeting titled “Easing traffic congestion and modernizing traffic management in Dhaka,” aimed at improving the capital’s traffic system.
At the meeting, the prime minister instructed the authorities concerned to take swift and effective measures to reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka. He emphasized the need to develop a modern and time-appropriate traffic management system.
According to Rumon, if the short-term plans are implemented, traffic congestion in Dhaka could be reduced significantly by the end of April. Implementation of medium- and long-term plans is expected to bring substantial improvements to the city’s traffic management.
Under the decisions, Dhaka’s traffic signals will be automated using local technology. In phases, a total of 120 traffic signals in the capital will be brought under the automation system.
The government also plans to construct new bypass roads around Dhaka, along with building overpasses and underpasses within the city.
Bus counters set up indiscriminately across the capital will be removed. At the same time, five inter-district bus terminals currently located within Dhaka will be relocated outside the city. These terminals will later be used for city bus services.
The meeting also decided to free sidewalks and roadsides from illegal occupation and remove electricity poles located in the middle of roads.
In addition, auto signal lighting systems will be introduced at railway crossings in Dhaka alongside the existing manual system. Plans are also in place to bring city buses under a GPS-based monitoring system.
The government has also decided to install escalators at most foot overbridges in the capital and introduce locally developed lifts at foot overbridges near hospitals.
Administrators of the two Dhaka city corporations expressed hope that most of the proposed measures could be implemented by April 7.
Labour leader Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, will coordinate with transport owners and workers’ organizations to help implement the initiatives.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Sheikh Rabiul Alam; State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid Habib; Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam; Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton; RAJUK Chairman Riazul Islam Rizu; BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla; Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir; and other concerned officials, were present at the time, among others