Making Dhaka pedestrian-friendly

So much has been said about how Dhaka city's traffic situation could be improved, but little has been achieved in this regard. Setting up flyovers or circular bypass roads does not seem to lessen the capital city's frequent traffic jams. Rather, the already chaotic traffic situation of the city is becoming more complex for too many vehicles on roads and lack of parking facilities. According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, some 500 vehicles are being registered every day in this city. But the roads or parking facilities are not increasing proportionately. Even if one wants to move on foot, one has to face a number of problems as a pedestrian. Many of the city footpaths have been grabbed illegally by traders. And construction materials are found to be kept on these footpaths.

Walkability is one of the key criteria for making a city liveable, environment-friendly, community-oriented, and less dependent on motorised transportation. But it is unfortunate that Dhaka city has hardly any footpath on which people can walk. So, we urge the authorities concerned to make our footpaths pedestrian-friendly. For this, they can install shades and benches at regular intervals, which will protect the pedestrians from sun and rain. Setting up water taps for public drinking, making footpaths more comfortable for the pedestrians and beautifying them with plants can attract many people to have a walk rather than sit in the traffic. If these initiatives are taken, many commuters will surely start reaching their destinations on foot, which will save valuable time, lessen gridlocks and improve their physical fitness.

Rafid Alam,

Tejgaon, Dhaka,

rafid.alam@northsouth.edu