Terrible traffic
Traffic jam is a monstrous problem in Dhaka city. I think the problem is more technical than administrative. However, so far we have not seen any methodical approach being taken by the government to proceed in the direction of easing this problem. Police are thinking it is their matter and they are continuously issuing orders, guidelines, and rules assuming that it would reduce traffic jam. We do not know if they have any scientific data in support of issuing such orders or guidelines. All seem to be assumptive.
Recently, they issued an order to maintain lanes. But we do not see any move by the police to enforce the orders, except fining some owners of private cars. We have not heard of any incident of fining the bus drivers, though they are the number one violators of the new rule.
Now police are saying that it has not helped in removing traffic jam though discipline has been restored. They are further saying that they have advised the government to put restriction on registration of vehicles. The government is saying they will build monorails. At times the name of underground rails is also being heard.
They are also saying they will build elevated expressways.
The economists are preaching that given the per capita income of the people, the underground rail or elevated expressways are not viable in Bangladesh.
The main reason of this confusion is that no comprehensive scientific study has yet been made so far as to how to solve the traffic problems of Dhaka city.
Some sporadic studies have been carried out by the bidders themselves. So, they are premeditated and not independent. As a result, the government is in a dilemma as to what to do to solve this problem, though time is running out fast.
So, I feel it is imperative on the part of the government to conduct a comprehensive engineering study by internationally known transport experts to create a base of recommendations/priorities to solve the traffic problem.
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