Despite the PM Sheikh Hasina’s elaborate discussion and specific instructions to all departments, Roads and Highways, Bridges, WASA, City Corporations to unite to tackle the mind-boggling traffic jams in Dhaka, no practical plan has reportedly been submitted as yet to the Planning Commission. In a time when travelling in Dhaka regularly conjures up images of long tailbacks with interminable gridlocks, such dilatory action deserves condemnation.

Dhaka’s struggle with traffic problem is already a decade old with the situation often becoming so desperate that commuters are forced to spend hours stuck on the roads. But that is an old story; what is needed now is firm and decisive action. Reportedly, the PM has asked several departments to work together and we think this is the pre-requisite since the issue is so mammoth that one department won’t be able to tackle it.

This problem is multifaceted and, therefore, while roads and highways will have to think of strategic routes, the bridges will need to concentrate on flyovers with the city corporation focusing on practical traffic management.

In fact, at the root level, the duty also lies with ward level administration, especially in routes where rickshaws are allowed, to provide proper traffic control.

As we see, Dhaka’s traffic situation improvement will not come just by increasing roads and bypasses. The time has come to properly utilize the waterways with commuters needing active encouragement to opt for water launches instead of buses and other road transport.

We have a water-based connection from Tejgaon to Gulshan but this is still taken as a pleasure trip rather than for regular commuting. This link can be extended with options explored to connect Uttara to the waterway. Similarly, other waterways within the city need to be taken into account.

Reportedly, a plan for a sub-way was also asked from relevant departments and while we feel that Dhaka urgently needs one, the priority at this moment is to expeditiously mobilise existing options to reduce the pressure on roads.

The railway connection from Kamlapur to Uttara can be publicized for commuter travel within the city with new express shuttle trains introduced.

However, no plan can move forward unless it’s submitted with a full proof project design delineating the pros and cons plus implementation time. If so much time is wasted then perhaps the government should consider roping in foreign contractors or private firms in the country for stop gap solutions while the large-scale ones are being finalized. Dhaka is a cosmopolitan hub but one major headache is giving it bad press; it’s time we acted decisively.