Reducing traffic congestion

THE phenomenon of public transport of the country, particularly of Dhaka city, has become a nagging problem for the policy makers. As we are being increasingly debilitated by a huge pressure of both the motorised and non- motorized vehicles, we must have a way out of it. The number of vehicles increased by leaps and bounds over the last few years as a result of which the working people have to pay both in terms of time and money in order to ensure timely attendance in office. Inadequate road space and excessive vehicles on the roads have pushed us into a quagmire of insurmountable problem as non-lane based heterogeneous traffic system is in place in Dhaka city. Even though construction of flyovers and other structures has improved the situation to some extent, the city roads remain under perennial traffic congestion. A well-researched transportation network plan can help us mitigate the situation. Firstly, introduction of signalised junctions at every end is essential to control the traffic. Strict rules should be framed and enforced to bring the violators of traffic rules under control. Secondly, dedicated bus lanes are necessary so that the buses can move freely without any obstruction. Traffic signals for these bus lanes should be different from those of other lanes to enable transit vehicles to start ahead of private vehicles. Thirdly, the system of carpool or vanpool should be introduced so that the private vehicles can negotiate the system rather than crowding on the streets. Fourthly, developed bus stoppage should be constructed so that buses stop at designated points rather than picking or dropping passengers at will and thus causing traffic gridlocks. Fifthly, traffic regulations and rules of traffic engineering to control traffic should be enforced. Examples of traffic regulations include: parking restrictions, turning restrictions, loading and unloading restrictions of the vehicles etc. may help us mitigate traffic problems. The delay that is caused by traffic jams badly affects our economic activities. Implementation of an innovative idea in the field of traffic engineering is therefore necessary to avoid traffic congestions, save time, boost production and ensure a clean environment in the country.

Engr. Yashin Abdullah Ali

Associate Engineer, Energypac

[email protected]