City transport system
The CTG has taken a bold and practical decision to construct link roads between the old airport road and Agargaon, by using the marginal strip of the old airport at the city end.
But the long-term outlook is bleak. There are several (unintentional)human bottlenecks between the old and the new airport roads: a) the PMO's office complex; b) the Jahangir Gate (Cantt zone); c) the old airport strip extending into the city area.
The PMO complex is occupying a vital area needed for more roads--hence relocation (with BMRE) review has to be kept in mind on long term basis (why not shift to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar).
The proposed elevated highway there is not an elegant solution for future development.
The cantonments in old Dacca city were located well out of the then town areas. Now the situation is different (population around 12 million). Hence some marginal areas should be surrendered to the civil authorities for town planning, including the old airport area. Dhaka is surrounded by wetlands, and has to expand northwards into higher grounds. Without decentralisation, new projects would be a waste of funds (the floating population in Dhaka is too high).
Now we are facing new economic problems- the high cost of fuel might increase greater use of cycle rickshaws! The social and economic impacts of the suburban zones around metropolis Dhaka cannot be detected easily as in the industrialised countries (families with own transport, and excellent public transport systems). The LDCs and DCs cannot blindly imitate the West, as the average income slabs of the vast majority of the families are much lower, whether in the cities or in the villages.
We badly need bicycle and rickshaw lanes in future planning at all divisional headquarters (labour incentive ventures to provide employment). In Dhaka, underground rail system is difficult to operate and maintain, as O&M have large systems losses (also the underground water levels are going down rapidly). Elevated rail may be considered; first as a pilot project. But the problem with mega projects is the percentage syndrome (we have had bitter experience for several decades!).
Can't imagine how Dhaka city would look by the end of the century!
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