From chaos to compliance

Dhaka drivers are gradually changing their long-ingrained traffic habits as AI-based enforcement and semi-automated traffic signals reshape behaviour at major intersections across the city.

At several key junctions where the government has installed semi-automated signals and introduced AI-driven monitoring, vehicles are increasingly obeying traffic lights.

Motorcycles, private cars and CNG-run auto-rickshaws are now frequently stopping at zebra crossings when the signals turn red, leaving pedestrian spaces clear. Many drivers are also waiting for green lights before moving.

The AI-based traffic prosecution system, launched by Dhaka Metropolitan Police to automatically detect violations and penalise offenders, currently operates at eight locations: the Hotel InterContinental intersection, Bangla Motor, Kakrail, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Jahangir Gate, Rampura, and the Gabtoli-Airport Road corridor.

On-the-spot observations at Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani and Jahangir Gate found improved compliance among both public and private vehicles, although traffic police still intervene manually in some situations.

AI-enabled cameras detect five violations: signal jumping, wrong-way driving, lane violations, illegal parking and entering closed left lanes.

Officials said the cameras instantly capture violations, retrieve vehicle information from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority database, and send notices to owners via SMS or email.

DMP Traffic Division Additional Commissioner Md Anisur Rahman said those who fail to pay fines within the stipulated period could face summonses and, if necessary, arrest warrants.

According to DMP officials, the initiative has reduced pressure on manual enforcement. The cameras have captured over 2,000 clips of traffic violations, with around 502 cases currently being processed.

More than 120 AI-enabled cameras are now operating at around 60 locations across Dhaka, with coverage set to expand further within six months.

“Drivers who ignored manual instructions earlier are now more careful because enforcement is automated,” said a traffic officer at Bangla Motor.

Traffic Sergeant Habibur Rahman of Bijoy Sarani said manual signalling was still necessary in some situations, but road users were adapting.

“People are gradually becoming accustomed to the automated system, with nearly 60 percent of vehicles now following traffic signals. Even during early morning hours, vehicles stop at red lights on their own,” he said.

Motorists also welcomed the initiative.

“It is really an amazing step. I would recommend expanding this AI traffic system to all roads. It reduces road accidents and saves our time,” said motorcyclist Mohammad Sahin Mahmud Mollah.

Some drivers, however, said the public remained largely unaware of how the system works.

Bus drivers, in particular, are still unfamiliar with the new traffic management system.

“We haven’t seen much publicity about this yet. It’s hard to follow a new system. But we hope the government implements it properly so that we can benefit from it,” said Trust Transport Limited bus driver Md Saddam Hossain.

The enforcement system is running alongside Dhaka’s pilot semi-automated traffic signal project, which was inaugurated by the interim government on August 30, 2025.

Under the pilot initiative, Dhaka North City Corporation was assigned 14 intersections and Dhaka South City Corporation eight.

It was launched at seven intersections: Hotel InterContinental, Bangla Motor, Sonargaon, Farmgate, Bijoy Sarani, the Chief Adviser’s Office and Jahangir Gate.

After eight months, five additional intersections have recently become operational on an experimental basis, bringing the total number of active semi-automated signals to 12.

Project expert Prof Moazzem Hossain of BUET said implementation in the north zone was delayed due to procurement complications.

DNCC had to go for a second round of tendering, delaying field implementation, he said.

“Progress has been faster in the south zone, where five of the remaining six intersections are already operating experimentally, mainly at night,” he added.

Moazzem said authorities plan to expand the system to around 120 intersections across the city.

However, he warned that informal transport modes such as easy bikes and rickshaws remain major challenges.

“To achieve full benefits, we need two things, discipline and regulation,” he said.