DMP launches initiative to tackle rickshaws by installing trappers in Dhaka

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken an initiative to install “trappers” at the entrance of the roads where rickshaws are banned.

These trappers will be installed at the entrances to numerous roads.

If a rickshaw-puller attempts to pass the trap, the vehicle's wheels will be stuck in the iron speed-breaker.

At present, these “traps” are being set up at several places in the Ramna area.

If found effective, it will later be installed in parts of the city.

DMP (Traffic) Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner Mostafizur Rahman told bdnews24.com on Saturday: "It has been decided to install rickshaw trappers to restrict the three wheelers’ movement on the Dhaka roads."

On Saturday, in the Bailey Road area of Dhaka's Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali Sarani, police were setting up these traps on both sides of the road outside Ramna Police Station.

The initiative will help prevent rickshaws from entering Mansur Ali Sarani from Old Elephant Road.

Similarly, no rickshaw will be allowed to Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali Sarani from Paribagh via the Eskaton Garden Road connected to the Old Elephant Road.

Mostafizur said: "The initiative has been taken by DMP’s Traffic Division. A trial run is currently being conducted. Let's see how the reaction is. It's not finalised yet."

DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic Admin and Research) Mehedi Hasan said: "We will introduce the trappers successively on the roads where rickshaws are banned.

“The installation is being done in parts of Ramna zone on a trial basis. Instead of getting involved in verbal arguments, it’s better to put up these traps on the roads."

The traps are not new, they were installed on some Dhaka roads earlier.

However, garbage accumulated in the iron trenches has made them ineffective.

Mehedi said: "I heard that they were once in Dhaka. After installation, they must be regularly maintained to prevent damage. We'll do that too."

There are no exact statistics on the number of rickshaws in Dhaka.

However, there are more than 1.2 million battery-operated and pedal-run rickshaws in the capital.

Although there is no rule of movement on the main roads, these rickshaws are now plying on every road in Dhaka, causing frequent accidents with other vehicles.