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DHAKA, Jan 31, 2025 (BSS) - A taskforce has recommended for introducing automatic traffic signalling system in the city for improvement of traffic management to ease congestion.

“Introducing an automatic traffic signalling system is a fundamental prerequisite for any major city worldwide, yet attempts to implement such a system in the mega city like Dhaka have historically faced challenges, often collapsing due to resistance from vested quarters,” according to the report of the taskforce.
 
Education and Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud handed over the taskforce report on "Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development" to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus here Thursday.

The report said effective traffic management is crucial for alleviating congestion and improving the overall flow of vehicles and pedestrians’ movement on city roads.

This initiative should be a "low-hanging fruit" because it must be actionable and capable for yielding immediate benefits, the report mentioned.
 
“By utilising advanced traffic signal technology we can ensure that traffic lights respond to real-time conditions, thereby establishing a much-needed discipline to Dhaka's chaotic transportation network,” the report said.

The taskforce suggested transition of the city’s commuting system to a single-operator bus franchise saying infrastructural investment in traffic automation would increase daily commutes and contribute to overall urban development and improve the living quality of the citizens.

The report revealed that the existing model of public transport in Dhaka, characterised by multiple ownership of bus services, has led to significant confusion and chaos on the roads, directly impacting public safety and convenience.

“To get remedy from this, a transition to a single-owner bus service franchise is required by bringing all the fragmented owners together under a single service provider,” the report said.

City bus service should be marked by a move to bring the drivers under a unique salary structure rather than on commission on fares, the taskforce said adding such move would enhance public transport efficiency, increase ridership and create a reliable, user-friendly public transport system to deal with the needs of the urban population.

The 12-member taskforce was formed on September 10 last to frame the development strategies, find out leakages in the financial system and restore discipline in project implementation.