Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan highlighted a pressing issue in Dhaka, stating that a city ideally requires roads covering at least 25% of its total area for effective traffic management. However, Dhaka currently has only 9% of its area dedicated to roads, as revealed during a parliamentary session on Sunday.
In response to a question from Awami League lawmaker Shafiqul Islam, Minister Khan acknowledged the challenging situation. Shafiqul Islam pointed out that in foreign countries, traffic moves smoothly without the need for traffic police, and a similar scenario exists in Dhaka Cantonment. He inquired whether measures would be taken to implement a signal system for nationwide traffic management.
Minister Asaduzzaman Khan explained that Dhaka, with a population of 200 million, falls significantly short of the recommended 25% road coverage, even with the addition of elevated expressways, which could potentially raise the figure to 9.5%. Acknowledging the trial of signal lights for traffic management, he noted the resulting massive traffic and shared plans for a revised strategy. The government is actively considering the involvement of both Dhaka city corporation mayors, with implementation starting gradually in selected areas soon. This move aims to address the persistent challenges of traffic congestion in the capital city.
