While every road user plays a role in Dhaka’s escalating traffic congestion, widespread disregard for traffic regulations continues to exacerbate the crisis, according to experts.
They said proper adherence to these rules could substantially alleviate gridlock and minimise accidents in the capital.
A visit across the city revealed pedestrians crossing roads without following signals and vehicles engaging in reckless competition, even in the presence of traffic police.
Dhaka, a megacity, requires at least 30% of its area to be roads, yet it only has 7-8%.
Besides, nearly half of these roads are occupied by illegal parking and roadside shops. As a result, approximately Tk 140 crore worth of working hours is lost daily due to traffic congestion, leading to a GDP loss of around 2.9%.
Rickshaws and Auto-Rickshaws Add to the Chaos
Bangladesh has the highest number of rickshaws in the world, with an estimated 2.5 million pedal rickshaws, including 500,000 to 600,000 operating in Dhaka alone, according to available information.
Pedal rickshaw-pullers admitted they frequently block roads to compete with battery-run rickshaws, which undercut their fares.
Abdul Mannan, a senior pedal rickshaw-pullers, candidly admitted that they ignore traffic rules as "everything can be managed on the road."
Battery-run rickshaws, a relatively new addition to the city, are another major issue as they operate on main roads without approval from any authority.
Despite higher manufacturing and maintenance costs, many rickshaw pullers prefer these vehicles due to their faster and higher returns.
A 17-year-old driver, Jaman, said, "Though police create problems, it is ultimately profitable. We do not cause traffic jams alone."
The introduction of CNG auto-rickshaws has also worsened congestion.
Sources indicate that while Dhaka has 15,500 registered CNGs, the number of drivers with valid licences across the country is around 500,000.
According to BRTA data, 309,488 such vehicles are registered nationwide. Traffic police claim they try to regulate these vehicles, which frequently violate traffic rules.
Private Cars and Public Transport Overcrowd Roads
Private passenger cars are one of the largest contributors to congestion as they primarily serve individuals or families rather than the broader public. In 2023, around 10.78 million private passenger cars were registered in Bangladesh, with 9.69 million in Dhaka alone.
However, private car drivers argue they are not significantly responsible for traffic jams, citing their training and driving discipline.
Truck drivers entering the city in excessive numbers also exacerbate congestion with slow driving and reckless parking. Meanwhile, buses, another key contributor, frequently obstruct traffic while picking up and dropping off passengers.
A study by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) under the project Preparation of Concept Design and Implementation Plan for Bus Route Rationalisation and Company-Based Operation of Bus Service in Dhaka found that many buses operating in the city are illegal.
For example, 655 of the 1,225 buses passing through Shahbagh daily are unauthorised, while in Motijheel, 262 out of 575 buses lack permits.
Other key areas, including Mohakhali, Farmgate, and Badda-Rampura, also see large numbers of illegal buses.
More than 50 transport companies operate such buses, including Shikor, Trans Silva, Bihanga, and Airport Bangabandhu Avenue, among others.
Talking to UNB, bus drivers admitted that many of them lack licences, and their vehicles have no fitness certificates or insurance.
But they continue operating, reportedly by paying bribes to police, politicians, and transport leaders.
Authorities insist they conduct regular drives against illegal operations, but the problem persists.
Bikes and Pedestrians Contribute to Road Chaos
Motorbikes, particularly ride-sharing services, significantly contribute to congestion as they often take shortcuts and bypass regulations to reach destinations quickly.
Abudus Sattar, a ride-sharing bike driver, said, "Bikers find ways to go faster. If there were dedicated lanes for bikes and bicycles, we could operate without disrupting traffic."
Pedestrians, too, often ignore traffic rules, crossing roads recklessly and slowing down vehicular movement.
With a population of 10.2 million, according to the Population and Housing Census 2022 by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the lack of adequate footpaths and underpasses forces people to walk alongside vehicles.
Makeshift shops further encroach on footpaths, particularly in Old Dhaka, despite regular eviction drives.
Traffic Congestion Threatens Old Dhaka’s Economic Future
Old Dhaka’s traffic problems are distinct from those of North Dhaka due to its historical layout and culture. Illegal shops, narrow roads, a lack of proper traffic systems, and unauthorised rickshaws and vans severely affect mobility.
At a roundtable discussion on April 2, organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), business leaders highlighted that traffic congestion is undermining Old Dhaka’s role as a major economic hub.
DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed estimated that Old Dhaka alone contributes about 20% to Bangladesh’s GDP. However, if congestion issues persist, businesses may relocate, ultimately eroding the area’s economic significance.
Smart Solutions: AI-Based Signalling and Urban Planning
Experts recommend various measures to address congestion, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic signals, administrative decentralisation, long-term urban development strategies, metro rail expansion in Old Dhaka, an integrated circular river route, nighttime loading and unloading, and the eviction of illegal hawkers from footpaths.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has already completed feasibility studies at 60 locations for AI-based traffic signal implementation.
Law enforcement officials have suggested smart parking solutions, relocation of bus terminals, coordination among transport stakeholders, and the construction of escalator footbridges and skywalks.
While an automated traffic signal system is operational in Gulshan, its implementation across the rest of the city remains a challenge. Without urgent and coordinated efforts, Dhaka’s traffic crisis will continue to escalate, hampering economic productivity and worsening the quality of life for its residents.
