Flyovers traps in Dhaka

For over a decade, flyovers have been promoted as a key solution to Dhaka's traffic congestion. However, the current scenario tells a different story. Merely constructing flyovers without proper planning and supporting infrastructure has not only failed to ease congestion but, in many cases, has worsened it.

Most of Dhaka's flyovers lack appropriate connecting roads, leading to a situation where vehicles descend directly onto already congested main roads. This creates fresh bottlenecks and gridlocks, paralysing not only the flyovers themselves but also the surrounding areas. As a result, city dwellers face long hours stuck in traffic, leading to delays in reaching workplaces, disruption of social and family life, and difficulties in transporting patients to hospitals.

Beyond the obvious physical and mental strain, the city is also suffering economically-from wasted fuel, productivity losses, and increased pollution. The intended benefits of these flyovers remain largely out of reach due to poor planning and lack of coordination.

To address this, it is imperative that the Roads and Highways Department and other relevant authorities ensure every flyover project is backed by a comprehensive design and implementation plan. This must include adequate connecting roads, ramps, strategically placed entrance and exit points, and alternative routes both during and after construction. Only through such integrated planning can the city hope to escape the persistent trap of traffic congestion.

Pragga Das

Student, Department of Economics

Eden Women's College

proggadas2005@gmail.com