Published: 07:27 AM, 17 July 2026
Traffic Congestion in Dhaka Remains Unabated Due to Indifferent Authorities
Mamun Abdul Quayum
Traffic congestion in the capital city continues to be one of the most pressing urban challenges, causing immense suffering for millions of residents every day. Despite repeated promises, policy announcements, and costly infrastructure projects, the traffic situation in Dhaka has shown little sign of improvement. Long queues of vehicles, hours of delays, and increasing air and noise pollution have become part of daily life. Many citizens believe that the persistent traffic gridlock is largely the result of the indifferent attitude of the concerned authorities, who have failed to implement effective and sustainable solutions.
Dhaka is one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world, with a population exceeding 20 million. Every day, thousands of new vehicles are added to its already overcrowded roads. Unfortunately, the expansion of road infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid increase in population and motorized transport. As a result, roads remain congested from early morning until late at night. Major intersections such as Farmgate, Shahbagh, Mohakhali, Gulistan, Jatrabari, and Mirpur frequently experience severe traffic jams, causing commuters to spend hours traveling short distances.
The consequences of traffic congestion are enormous. Office workers, students, patients, and businesspeople regularly lose valuable time while stuck in traffic. Many employees arrive late at their workplaces, reducing productivity and affecting economic activities. Students often miss classes or examinations because of unexpected delays. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients frequently become trapped in endless traffic queues, putting lives at serious risk. Fire service vehicles also face significant obstacles in responding promptly to emergencies.
Traffic congestion has also become a major contributor to environmental degradation. Thousands of vehicles remain idling for extended periods, emitting harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. This significantly worsens air pollution, making Dhaka one of the cities with poor air quality during many periods of the year. Continuous exposure to polluted air increases the risk of respiratory diseases, heart problems, and other serious health conditions. Moreover, the constant honking of vehicle horns creates unbearable noise pollution, affecting both physical and mental well-being.
Experts point to several reasons behind Dhaka's worsening traffic situation. One of the primary causes is poor urban planning. Roads are narrow in many areas, while commercial establishments, educational institutions, and residential buildings continue to expand without proper planning. Illegal roadside markets, unauthorized parking, and encroachment on footpaths further reduce road capacity. Pedestrians are often forced to walk on busy roads because sidewalks are occupied by vendors, increasing both congestion and the risk of accidents.
Another major problem is the inadequate public transportation system. Although buses are the primary mode of transport for millions of people, many are old, poorly maintained, and operated without discipline. Bus drivers frequently stop in the middle of roads to pick up or drop off passengers, disrupting the smooth flow of traffic. Competition among bus operators often leads to reckless driving and unnecessary road blockages. The absence of an integrated, reliable, and efficient public transport network encourages more people to rely on private cars and motorcycles, adding further pressure to the already congested streets.
Traffic management remains another weak area. Traffic police often struggle to control intersections due to insufficient manpower, outdated equipment, and poor coordination among different agencies. In many places, traffic signals remain non-functional or are ignored by drivers. Violations of traffic rules, including illegal parking, wrong-way driving, and unauthorized stopping, are common. Weak enforcement of traffic laws encourages irresponsible behavior among road users, making congestion even worse.
Construction activities across the city also contribute significantly to traffic delays. Road repairs, flyover construction, utility maintenance, and drainage projects frequently continue for months or even years without proper coordination among government agencies. Roads are often dug up repeatedly by different utility providers shortly after being repaired, causing inconvenience to commuters and wasting public resources. Better coordination and planning could reduce these unnecessary disruptions.
The indifferent attitude of the responsible authorities has become a major concern among citizens. Numerous studies and recommendations have identified practical solutions to Dhaka's traffic problems, yet implementation has remained slow and inconsistent. Large-scale infrastructure projects, including flyovers, expressways, and metro rail systems, have been introduced with the expectation of easing congestion. While these projects have provided benefits in certain areas, they have not addressed the underlying issues of poor traffic management, lack of discipline, and inadequate public transport planning. Experts argue that infrastructure development alone cannot solve traffic congestion without comprehensive reforms.
Political influence and institutional inefficiency have also hindered effective traffic management. Multiple government agencies share responsibility for roads, transport, urban planning, and law enforcement, but coordination among them is often weak. Overlapping responsibilities and bureaucratic delays prevent timely decision-making. As a result, important traffic management initiatives are delayed or remain incomplete.
Citizens have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, modernization of public transportation, and improved urban planning. Experts recommend introducing intelligent traffic management systems, synchronized traffic signals, dedicated bus lanes, and expanded pedestrian facilities. Encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking through safe infrastructure could also reduce dependence on private vehicles. Digital monitoring systems and surveillance cameras could help enforce traffic regulations more effectively.
Public awareness is equally important. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and transport operators all share responsibility for maintaining traffic discipline. Educational campaigns promoting road safety, proper parking practices, and respect for traffic signals can play an important role in changing public behavior. Schools, media organizations, and civil society groups should actively participate in promoting responsible road use.
The economic cost of traffic congestion is staggering. Businesses lose countless working hours due to delayed transportation of employees and goods. Increased fuel consumption caused by prolonged idling raises transportation costs, which ultimately affect consumers through higher prices of goods and services. Foreign investors may also view severe traffic congestion as a barrier to efficient business operations, potentially affecting future investment opportunities.
Despite these challenges, hope remains if the authorities demonstrate genuine commitment and political will. Successful examples from other major cities around the world show that traffic congestion can be significantly reduced through integrated planning, efficient public transportation, strict law enforcement, and effective governance. Dhaka possesses the resources, expertise, and technological opportunities needed to improve its transportation system. What has often been lacking is consistent implementation and accountability.
Traffic congestion is no longer merely a transportation issue; it has become a social, economic, environmental, and public health crisis. Without immediate and coordinated action, the problem will continue to worsen as the city's population and number of vehicles increase. The authorities must move beyond promises and adopt practical, long-term strategies supported by strong enforcement and transparent governance. Only through sincere commitment, efficient planning, and collective public cooperation can Dhaka hope to overcome its chronic traffic congestion and provide its residents with a safer, cleaner, and more livable city.
Mamun Abdul Quayum is a banker
and a columnist.
