Too many cars and buses

THE streets of Dhaka remain overfilled with dozens of modes of transport. They include mostly large buses and private cars. Of late, cars are seen dominating the scene during particular hours. Buses play their part at other times. From morning to late in the night, these vehicles occupy the major space of roads. Earlier, cycle-rickshaws and minibuses had this distinction. The number of private cars in particular belies the country's humble economic status.

City streets full of private cars and colourful buses offer a feel-good spectacle. But it is so deceiving! According to many urban experts, these vehicles nowadays contribute to Dhaka's stifling traffic gridlocks to a great extent. Their overwhelming presence in the roads results in logjams at turnarounds and traffic signals.

One has to just climb an over-bridge, and stand there for some time at rush hours. The seemingly endless rows of cars will speak of the enormity of the presence of these vehicles in the city. This also applies to buses. With the construction of the overhead metro rail underway, a glimmer of hope could be outlined. The rail transport is expected to take a considerable extent of traffic burden away from the roads. Most of the major roads in the city cannot be widened. In this critical situation, the metro rail can come to the rescue of Dhaka's hapless commuters.

Coming to private cars, the government a few years ago was found mulling restricting the plying of cars in Dhaka which carry lone passengers. A car in use for just one person, and occupying a considerable road space, was deemed an abuse of road width. The idea was pragmatic. But it has not been applied. In a situation like this, with cars and buses occupying the length and breadth of the Dhaka streets, the city commuters eagerly await the opening of the metro rail.

Kishwar Hassan

Indira Road, Dhaka