Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is set to install its newly developed hybrid traffic signals at four major intersections along the route from Dhaka High Court to Abdullahpur. This initiative is part of a pilot project to address the city’s traffic congestion.
The semi-automated traffic signal system, known as “Semi-Automated Signal Aid,” will be tested at the intersections near Intercontinental Hotel and Banglamotor under Dhaka South City Corporation, as well as Karwan Bazar and Farmgate under Dhaka North City Corporation. Instead of relying solely on traffic police to manage the flow of vehicles manually, this system will incorporate signal lights that can be operated both automatically and manually through a control button. During periods of low traffic, the system will operate in automated mode, while during heavy traffic, the timing can be manually adjusted by the traffic controllers.
Developed by BUET civil engineering professors Dr. Moazzem Hossain and Dr. Hadiuzzaman, the hybrid system offers a cost-effective solution to Dhaka’s persistent traffic challenges. It was conceived after discussions on September 16, when the Chief Advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, suggested locally manufacturing traffic signals instead of importing them. The BUET team’s innovation allows traffic police to manually adjust signal timing while also featuring safeguards to alert them if a signal remains active for an extended period. There will also be dedicated signals for pedestrian crossings, and the system can be updated as needed.
Each signal will cost approximately 1.05 million BDT for installation, with monthly maintenance costs estimated at 150,000 BDT.