Infrastructure alone can’t solve Dhaka’s traffic crisis

Inadequate infrastructure and poor urban planning play their part, but the role of commuter behaviour should not be discounted, says Muntasir Mamun

Dhaka’s traffic gridlock has become one of the city’s defining frustrations.

While much of the blame is often directed at insufficient infrastructure and poor urban planning, a critical factor is frequently overlooked in discussions - the role of commuter behaviour. Despite the many government interventions we hear about—like intelligent traffic lights and more regulated bus services—the impact of these efforts will remain limited without addressing the habits of the people using the roads.

HOW COMMUTER HABITS WORSEN CONGESTION

Much of Dhaka’s congestion is due to commuters disregarding designated bus stops, boarding and alighting at any convenient point along the road. These random stops create choke points on busy streets, causing vehicles behind buses to form tailbacks that trigger a ripple effect that stretches traffic delays over hundreds of metres.

A single bus stopping for just one minute can delay hundreds of vehicles for up to 15 minutes, affecting traffic flow far beyond that initial pause. This “anywhere goes mentality” isn’t limited to buses—cars and rickshaws frequently park at random locations, blocking lanes and forcing other vehicles to navigate around them.

These habits create an unpredictable traffic pattern, where unplanned stops and irregular crossings disrupt the road’s natural flow. Dhaka’s already dense traffic suffers immensely as a result, with each individual’s actions multiplying into a citywide gridlock.

THE LIMITS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

Government measures to reduce congestion—like intelligent traffic lights, regulated bus systems, and new flyovers—are significant and necessary steps. Smart traffic lights, for example, adapt to real-time traffic flow to reduce wait times at intersections, and regulated buses can bring structure to Dhaka’s chaotic transport scene. However, these systems depend on consistent commuter behaviour to function effectively. Intelligent traffic lights require predictable vehicle patterns, while regulated buses need commuters to use designated stops. When people continue to flag down buses at any location or park cars in random spots, these technologies cannot function as intended.

While infrastructure improvements are crucial, they can only provide temporary relief unless they are paired with a shift in how people approach public transportation and road use.

WHAT IS MISSING FROM THE DISCOURSE?

Much of the media coverage on Dhaka’s traffic focuses on these interventions—promising technology and structured solutions to address the congestion crisis. Yet, the role of commuter habits is rarely touched on. Public discussions frequently disregard the impact of individual choices that clog roads and disrupt order, assuming that technology alone will solve the problem.

To create a sustainable solution, it is crucial for both policymakers and the public to recognise the shared responsibility of maintaining a functional transport system. If Dhaka’s residents continue to expect buses and rickshaws to function as personal taxis, halting on-demand and parking anywhere, no amount of infrastructure will be enough to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

A PATH FORWARD

A sustainable solution to Dhaka’s traffic woes will require a dual approach: infrastructure development alongside efforts to foster responsible commuter habits. Public awareness campaigns could encourage the use of designated stops and highlight the importance of following road rules. By understanding and addressing the human aspect of traffic congestion, we can create a culture of road use that supports, rather than undermines, these technological interventions.

In the end, the solution to Dhaka’s traffic crisis isn’t just about building more roads or installing smarter traffic lights. It is about us—commuters making conscious choices to contribute to a smoother traffic flow. By combining better infrastructure with a collective mindset shift, we can transform our roads from chaotic bottlenecks into a more manageable system for everyone.

[Muntasir Mamun is the Bangladesh convenor for International Coastal Cleanup]