Published: 12:00 AM, 12 September 2025
Dhaka’s Traffic Congestion: An Endless Struggle for Commuters
Raghu Nath Raha
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is home to more than 20 million people and contributes about 40 percent of the country’s GDP. But behind this economic dynamism lies one of the most pressing urban crises in the world—severe traffic congestion. For millions of commuters, especially during office opening and closing hours, navigating Dhaka’s roads has become a daily ordeal of wasted time, stress, and frustration.
Rush Hour Paralysis
Every weekday morning, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and again in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Dhaka’s major roads descend into gridlock. Key corridors such as Mirpur Road, Airport Road, Pragati Sarani, Mohakhali, Moghbazar and the Jatrabari–Gulistan highway often see traffic delays so severe that a 30-minute journey can stretch into two or even three hours.
With nearly 1.5 million registered motor vehicles in Dhaka (BRTA, 2024), the roads remain overcrowded. Adding to the chaos is the mix of transport modes—buses, rickshaws, motorcycles, CNGs, and private cars—all competing for the same limited road space. Ongoing construction of metro rail and elevated expressways promises future relief, but in the short term has further narrowed available routes, worsening the congestion.
The Human and Economic Costs
The costs of Dhaka’s gridlock are staggering. A World Bank study (2017) estimated that traffic congestion robs the economy of $11 billion annually in lost productivity and fuel. Commuters lose an average of 3.2 million working hours each day due to delays.
A recent BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) study found that the average traffic speed in Dhaka has dropped to 4.8 km/h during peak hours—only slightly faster than walking. The health impacts are also severe: long hours in traffic expose commuters to high levels of air pollution, contributing to respiratory illnesses.
Beyond the numbers, there is a human toll. Office workers arrive late and exhausted, parents spend less time with children, and students lose study hours. Many Dhaka residents report that traffic consumes almost half of their active day.
Why the Gridlock Persists
Urban planners point to several structural problems behind Dhaka’s traffic paralysis:
· Unplanned urbanization: New residential and commercial hubs have developed without proper road infrastructure.
· Overdependence on private cars: Private vehicles account for nearly 40% of road occupancy while carrying less than 10% of commuters.
· Weak public transport system: Only about 30% of the population relies on buses, which remain fragmented, overcrowded, and poorly managed.
· Centralized urban structure: With most offices, schools, and hospitals located in central Dhaka, millions are forced to travel across the city daily.
· Poor traffic management: Lack of lane discipline, illegal parking, and weak enforcement of traffic rules add to the chaos.
Possible Solutions
Experts emphasize that piecemeal solutions are not enough—Dhaka needs bold, structural reforms:
1. Expand and Integrate Public Transport: The metro rail and elevated expressways are positive steps, but they must be complemented with a modern, affordable bus rapid transit (BRT) system under unified management.
2. Decentralization: Relocating offices, universities, and industries to peripheral zones such as Purbachal, Gazipur, and Keraniganj could reduce pressure on central Dhaka.
3. Smart Traffic Management: Use of digital surveillance, AI-based traffic lights, and strict enforcement of rules could improve flow.
4. Non-Motorized Transport: Developing safe pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes can encourage short-distance, eco-friendly travel.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Public discipline—such as following lanes, avoiding jaywalking, and respecting signals—remains essential.
The Way Forward
Dhaka’s traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience; it is an economic, environmental, and social threat. If left unchecked, it will continue to erode productivity, increase health hazards, and reduce the quality of urban life.
The metro rail, once fully operational, is expected to serve half a million passengers daily, offering some relief. But unless comprehensive steps are taken to modernize public transport, decentralize the city, and enforce traffic governance, the suffering of millions will continue.
Dhaka, the beating heart of Bangladesh, deserves roads that move—not roads that paralyze. The time for decisive action is now.
Raghu Nath Raha is a senior development professional
and social welfare consultant
based in Dhaka.
Rush Hour Paralysis
Every weekday morning, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and again in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Dhaka’s major roads descend into gridlock. Key corridors such as Mirpur Road, Airport Road, Pragati Sarani, Mohakhali, Moghbazar and the Jatrabari–Gulistan highway often see traffic delays so severe that a 30-minute journey can stretch into two or even three hours.
With nearly 1.5 million registered motor vehicles in Dhaka (BRTA, 2024), the roads remain overcrowded. Adding to the chaos is the mix of transport modes—buses, rickshaws, motorcycles, CNGs, and private cars—all competing for the same limited road space. Ongoing construction of metro rail and elevated expressways promises future relief, but in the short term has further narrowed available routes, worsening the congestion.
The Human and Economic Costs
The costs of Dhaka’s gridlock are staggering. A World Bank study (2017) estimated that traffic congestion robs the economy of $11 billion annually in lost productivity and fuel. Commuters lose an average of 3.2 million working hours each day due to delays.
A recent BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) study found that the average traffic speed in Dhaka has dropped to 4.8 km/h during peak hours—only slightly faster than walking. The health impacts are also severe: long hours in traffic expose commuters to high levels of air pollution, contributing to respiratory illnesses.
Beyond the numbers, there is a human toll. Office workers arrive late and exhausted, parents spend less time with children, and students lose study hours. Many Dhaka residents report that traffic consumes almost half of their active day.
Why the Gridlock Persists
Urban planners point to several structural problems behind Dhaka’s traffic paralysis:
· Unplanned urbanization: New residential and commercial hubs have developed without proper road infrastructure.
· Overdependence on private cars: Private vehicles account for nearly 40% of road occupancy while carrying less than 10% of commuters.
· Weak public transport system: Only about 30% of the population relies on buses, which remain fragmented, overcrowded, and poorly managed.
· Centralized urban structure: With most offices, schools, and hospitals located in central Dhaka, millions are forced to travel across the city daily.
· Poor traffic management: Lack of lane discipline, illegal parking, and weak enforcement of traffic rules add to the chaos.
Possible Solutions
Experts emphasize that piecemeal solutions are not enough—Dhaka needs bold, structural reforms:
1. Expand and Integrate Public Transport: The metro rail and elevated expressways are positive steps, but they must be complemented with a modern, affordable bus rapid transit (BRT) system under unified management.
2. Decentralization: Relocating offices, universities, and industries to peripheral zones such as Purbachal, Gazipur, and Keraniganj could reduce pressure on central Dhaka.
3. Smart Traffic Management: Use of digital surveillance, AI-based traffic lights, and strict enforcement of rules could improve flow.
4. Non-Motorized Transport: Developing safe pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes can encourage short-distance, eco-friendly travel.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Public discipline—such as following lanes, avoiding jaywalking, and respecting signals—remains essential.
The Way Forward
Dhaka’s traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience; it is an economic, environmental, and social threat. If left unchecked, it will continue to erode productivity, increase health hazards, and reduce the quality of urban life.
The metro rail, once fully operational, is expected to serve half a million passengers daily, offering some relief. But unless comprehensive steps are taken to modernize public transport, decentralize the city, and enforce traffic governance, the suffering of millions will continue.
Dhaka, the beating heart of Bangladesh, deserves roads that move—not roads that paralyze. The time for decisive action is now.
Raghu Nath Raha is a senior development professional
and social welfare consultant
based in Dhaka.
