TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN DHAKA CITY: POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

The study was conducted to explore the root causes and impacts of current traffic jams and suggest an appropriate strategy to wipe out this problem of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. A mixture of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies was considered for data collection and analysis. The study shown the causes of traffic congestion of Dhaka, namely, inefficacy and poor execution rate of current traffic code of practice, existence of too many regulatory authorities, violation of traffic rules, defective planning of city roads, excessive vehicles, illegal occupancy of roads and footpaths, want of communication set-up and logistic provision, inadequacy of traffic management team and shortage of public vehicles. It was exposed by the study that Dhaka's traffic situation is not friendly for improved living standard. Environmental risks, severe air and sound pollutions and serious loss of public health are the end results of Dhaka's traffic jam. Moreover, both micro and macro economical situation of Bangladesh is being exaggerated due to this problem. The study strongly recommended that an up-to-date and integrated strategy is needed to cope-up the current traffic chaos of Dhaka. Initiation of subway, introduction of road pricing/congestion charge, construction of bypass roads for inter-city connectivity, investment of adequate public money, steps for regain the illegally occupied footpaths, more construction of communication infrastructure, ban of rickshaw and other non-motorized vehicles, increase of public awareness program, logistic support and public bus are identified by the study as potential solutions of Dhaka's congestion.