Dhaka Traffic to Ease by April as Signals Go Automated: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has expressed optimism that traffic congestion in the capital will be significantly reduced by April, as traffic signal automation is being implemented using domestic technology.

He shared this outlook with journalists on Tuesday (March 24) after a meeting titled “Alleviating Traffic Congestion in Dhaka City and Modernizing Traffic Management,” chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. The meeting was attended by representatives from all relevant agencies, including DMP, the two city corporations, the Home Ministry, RAJUK, DTCA, other concerned ministries, and experts from BUET.

Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, the minister said, “As part of the plan undertaken by the Honorable Prime Minister to improve the traffic system, we have discussed in detail what can be done in the short term, medium term, and long term. We have identified short-term measures that can be addressed immediately. These will be communicated later in the form of resolutions. However, we hope, InshaAllah, that by the end of April we will be able to implement most of the short-term plans. As a result, traffic congestion in Dhaka city will be reduced to a considerable extent.”

Salahuddin Ahmed added, “If the medium-term and long-term plans are implemented, we expect a substantial improvement in our overall traffic system.”

He further said, “We are automating traffic signals entirely using domestic technology. Currently, seven are operational, and within about a week, work will be completed at six more intersections. Gradually, all approximately 120 signals in Dhaka city will be brought under automation.”

DBTech/SH/EK/OR