Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a series of measures aimed at tackling Dhaka’s worsening traffic congestion, modernising the city’s traffic management system and bringing greater discipline to the public transport sector.
The decisions were made at a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday (August 29).
According to information provided by Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Swadhin, the meeting reviewed the current traffic situation in the capital, congestion on major roads and flyovers, public transport management, bus terminal restructuring, parking facilities and the modernisation of traffic control systems.
One of the key decisions was to introduce an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system at toll plazas on expressways and flyovers.
The initiative is intended to make toll collection faster, more efficient and technology-driven. The prime minister also ordered the development of a dedicated application to support the system.
Relevant authorities have been instructed to complete the work within four months.
Action plan for Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover congestion
The longstanding traffic congestion around the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover was also discussed extensively.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed authorities to review an existing report prepared by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and determine practical measures to reduce congestion in the area.
BUET has been asked to review its previous findings and submit a fresh report containing recommendations within 15 days.
The implementation will involve coordination between the city corporation and traffic police.
Fulbaria bus terminal to be relocated to Keraniganj
To improve public transport management in Dhaka, the government has decided to relocate the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj.
The meeting decided that the Local Government Ministry would take the necessary steps, including land acquisition, to implement the project.
Officials believe relocating the terminal will reduce the pressure created by buses and inter-district vehicles in central Dhaka and help ease congestion.
As construction of a permanent terminal will require more time, the government has also decided to establish a temporary bus terminal on 15 acres of land under the Jhilmil project within four months.
Gabtoli bus terminal to be expanded
The government has also decided to expand the rear section of Gabtoli Bus Terminal to increase its capacity and improve vehicle management.
The prime minister instructed the Roads Division, traffic police and other relevant agencies to work together to implement the expansion as quickly as possible.
Karwan Bazar kitchen market to move to Gabtoli
Another major decision concerns the Karwan Bazar kitchen market.
The market will be relocated to Gabtoli as part of efforts to reduce traffic pressure in one of Dhaka’s busiest commercial areas.
Relevant authorities have been directed to take the necessary steps to implement the relocation.
The meeting also discussed ways to reduce traffic congestion around the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Authorities will examine the possibility of using Osmani Memorial Auditorium as a parking facility. Alternative parking locations will also be explored depending on requirements.
The initiative is intended to control vehicle pressure around the Secretariat and keep surrounding roads moving more freely.
The government has decided to formulate a separate policy governing autorickshaw movement in Dhaka.
The proposed policy is expected to bring greater discipline and control to autorickshaw operations across the capital.
Action against unauthorised sleeper buses
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also directed authorities to take necessary action against unauthorised double-decker sleeper buses operating in the capital.
The authorities have been asked to strengthen coordination among relevant agencies and complete the assigned measures within the stipulated deadlines.
The prime minister stressed that coordinated action by government agencies would be essential to achieving sustainable improvements in Dhaka’s traffic situation.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam, Pabna-5 MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, the Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and other senior officials.
