Traffic jam Essay Example

insufficient, leading to severe transportation problems and unbearable traffic congestion. This situation has caused continuous frustration among citizens.

Background

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a densely populated country.

Dhaka, Bangladesh is undergoing rapid growth as its population reaches over 11 million. To meet the demands of its residents, the city has been divided into 18 Specific Planning Zones (SPZ) within the Dhaka Metropolitan Area. Given its annual population growth rate of 7 percent, it is anticipated that Dhaka will soon rank among the largest cities in the world.

The city of Dhaka has been greatly affected by the arrival of migrants looking for work, resulting in significant consequences. The transportation system has been particularly impacted, causing daily commutes to become nightmarish experiences filled with frequent traffic jams. This consistent waste of time has a negative impact on both the business community and other commuters who find themselves stuck in long traffic delays.

Air pollution significantly impacts the respiratory health of the population, leading to approximately 10% of individuals seeking medical treatment each year. This problem arises from various factors including defective vehicles, aged vehicles (especially those powered by diesel), and road dust, all of which contribute to the pollution.

The car population in Dhaka metropolis has been growing by a minimum of 10 percent each year, leading to problems with air pollution and traffic congestion. It can take up to an hour to travel three to four kilometers during peak hours. Commuters find certain areas, such as Hotel Sonargaon (situated along the route in front of the Prime Minister's office), Maghbazar, Mouchak, Malibagh, Khilghaon, Rampura, Elephant Road, Science Laboratory, Green Road, and Jatrabari particularly frustrating.

Sayedabad, Mohakhali, and the old parts

of the metropolis, such as Dholaikhal, Postagola, Bangshal, and Chowkbazar, are significantly impacted by this problem. This issue causes people to frequently be late for important tasks or work, and both children and elderly individuals often experience illness. Additionally, many of us choose to ignore the distressing sight of an ambulance blaring its siren in a desperate attempt to navigate through a traffic jam. The heat emitted is also contributed by the engines of vehicles, particularly private cars with air conditioners.

Extended exposure to pollution caused by traffic congestion will lead to a rise in the city's temperature and negatively impact the future health of its residents. Additionally, this will have consequences for the economy.

The government claims that Dhaka is experiencing yearly financial losses of millions of taka as a result of traffic congestion. The city heavily depends on roads for transportation, with the notable inclusion of non-motorized vehicles such as rickshaws. The traffic conditions in the Dhaka Metropolitan area exhibit considerable variation.

Rickshaws dominate as the primary mode of public transportation, while coach trips remain minimal. Non-motorized vehicles, including rickshaws, contribute significantly to traffic congestion, especially at intersections. The role of Bangladesh Railways (BR) in urban public transportation is negligible.

Amid talk of ambitious infrastructure projects like elevated expressways and underground tube tracks, it is difficult to envision such endeavors becoming a reality in a country where corruption pervades every sector, from the judiciary to education. However, the 20-year Strategic Transport Plan (STP) encompasses water and surface routes spanning 17,400 square kilometers in Dhaka and its nearby regions: Narayanganj, Narshingdi, Munshiganj, Gazipur, and Manikganj.

The program's objective is to enhance transportation systems in the capital, encompassing the establishment

of Metro train services, elevated expressways, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). It also entails improving and constructing roads that connect the city's east and west sides. This comprises the construction of overpasses, overcrossings, new roads, as well as repairing damaged thoroughfares. In total, the program will cover a distance of 330 kilometers for road construction or retracing with an inclusion of 50 new roads. The comprehensive plan also incorporates overpasses.

elevated freeways, underground railroad (tube), round waterways, coach rapid transit, and rapid mass transit.

The text highlights the causes of traffic congestion in Bangladesh, with a focus on the importance of rationalizing bus routes, developing the traffic system, and ensuring a safe environment. It identifies several key factors contributing to the problem, such as vendors encroaching on city roads and dumping construction materials. Moreover, it notes that 30 different types of motorized and non-motorized vehicles sharing the same street leads to chaotic traffic jams. The text also addresses undisciplined traffic signals and faulty signaling systems that require continuous maintenance by traffic police.

Sometimes, they manually maintain the signal, which can make the job more congested. The unplanned growing of Dhaka, Dhaka-centric development of the state, and the deficiency of east-west connecting roads.

The unplanned construction within the city and the increased number of private vehicles are contributing factors to traffic congestion.

• Indiscipline among road users is a problem as drivers do not comply with traffic regulations.
• Many people are not aware of traffic regulations, which encourages them to break the rules.
• The presence of tea stalls and shops outside the mall and

right next to the road makes it difficult for pedestrians to use the sidewalk.

In comparison to a typical metropolis where the minimum route demand is 25% to 30%, Dhaka only has 7.5% of its total area dedicated to roads. Additionally, illegal parking serves as another cause of traffic congestion.

Cars, trucks, and other vehicles are parked everywhere.

Such types of degree traversing cause unbearable congestion at places like Magbazar, Mohakhali, Staff route, Karwan Bazar and others.

congestion.

The presence of Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB), Titas Gas, and other public-service corporation service providers without integration contributes to road congestion in Dhaka. Additionally, traffic circles in Dhaka have multiple lines for CNG, jinrikishas, coaches, and other vehicles.

They catch a small space out of sheer despair in order to alleviate traffic congestion during traffic jams. However, this approach often exacerbates the problem as only one side is allowed to proceed for around 5 minutes or more, highlighting the need for a more professional handling by the police.

The prohibition of mass transportation through BUET and DU increases pressure on surrounding roads, further contributing to traffic congestion.

The presence of small vendors and traders illegally occupying roads also significantly adds to the problem. Unfortunately, this issue is not widely known among the public. Additionally, bus drivers bear primary responsibility for causing traffic jams.

One of the reasons for congestion is the disregard for traffic regulations and signals, resulting in a lack of attention. This issue is exacerbated by the increasing number of coaches on the road, particularly local ones that frequently surpass speed limits and ignore street rules. As a result, heavy traffic jams frequently occur.

In Dhaka city, both illegal forms of transportation and modern ones coexist.

Despite their lack of fittingness, jinrikishas are still operating in the Dhaka metropolis. More than 700,000 jinrikishas are traveling on the metropolis route, but only 75,000 of them are officially registered. The large number of jinrikishas is causing traffic congestion, and although attempts are occasionally made to reduce the number, they usually yield no results. Additionally, most foot-over bridges and subways are not utilized

by pedestrians due to the dark and dodgy atmosphere inside caused by hoardings blocking the view from outside.

Unsanitary passages, steep stairs, and pathways crowded with peddlers make crossing the foot-over bridge difficult and thus discourage its usage.

The traffic congestion between Panthapath and Sonargaon intersection is consistently severe due to the construction of the country's largest shopping promenade. Some individuals choose not to use available parking spaces and instead opt to park their vehicles on the street, which contributes to the traffic congestion. Additionally, the fines for traffic violations are insufficient in deterring offenders. To address this issue in Dhaka city, several remedial measures can be adopted, categorized as follows:

Short-term suggestions

1. Adjusting operational hours for various institutions: All offices should start operations at 7:30 AM, educational institutes at 8 AM, and banking institutions at 9 AM. Activities should conclude by either 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, or 4 PM.
2. Establishing a water transportation system similar to those found in other developed countries surrounding Dhaka city would eliminate the need for WASA (Water Supply & Sewerage Authority) to block streets.
3. Implementing strict population control measures following China's example.

If population control is not achieved, the welfare of future generations will be compromised. Hence, we must commit to having just one child from this moment

onwards.

If any driver violates the regulation, they will face legal consequences such as imprisonment and financial penalties.

It is important to keep foot-over bridges and subways clean and hygienic in order to promote their use. Additionally, non-motorized vehicles, including rickshaws, are not allowed on the street. It is crucial to comply with regulations for CNG refueling stations or else business operations will be stopped. For the midterm, converting personal vehicles like private cars and light motor vehicles to CNG is suggested.

In order to reduce traffic congestion in the streets of Dhaka metropolis, it will be necessary for private vehicles to be off the roads. This is because the cost of CNG (compressed natural gas) in Bangladesh is relatively affordable, resulting in a large number of private vehicles on the streets. In 2009, there were a total of 527,000 registered vehicles.

Among these 2lac, there are private vehicles.

1. To reduce air pollution and traffic congestion in
   

Dhaka metropolis, the usage of private motor vehicles needs to be decreased.

In metropolis main road, it is prohibited to go. The BRTC must arrest numerous coaches on the street, but they must do so in a planned manner. This primarily applies to areas that are heavily crowded. No coach is allowed to stop unless there are designated stops, which should be located outside of the street.

Otherwise, there are buses causing infinite delays on the route which can block the traffic flow.

be constructed in front of every shopping mall to serve as a barrier.

Long term suggestion

1. The government should relocate all wholesale markets, government administrative offices, Dhaka Central Jail, industries, and tanneries outside of Dhaka city. Industrialization should be focused on rural areas rather than metropolitan cities. This will gradually develop the rural areas.
2. Every school, especially at the primary level, should provide transportation for students. There are around 400 private and government schools in the capital.

BRTC has introduced a school coach service to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital.

The roads should ban cabs, CNGs, etc.

Like other developed states in the universe, we also need to construct a current monorail system to minimize traffic congestion

and make traveling more efficient. Additionally, Dhaka faces the issue of having numerous vehicles but very limited parking spaces.

Authorities need to increase street parking installations in order to minimize traffic congestion.

Some of the buildings were located in residential areas, while others were in commercial areas. These buildings must be constructed in specific areas and not in residential or commercial areas or in front of the street.

Decision

Although it is difficult to make significant changes to the overall situation at the moment, there are several smaller factors that worsen the traffic situation in the city. Implementing traffic management and imposing physical restrictions on car usage would greatly improve the situation of Dhaka, a mega city.

Parking control, road building and transportation planning are important considerations for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. However, relocating some of these structures may not be feasible anymore, especially since university campuses have become integral to city life. To improve traffic flow during peak times, authorities should consider developing alternative roads and flyovers in these areas. While road building is a time-saving measure, there has been a shift in emphasis in recent years due to the belief that increased supply leads to increased demand. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has temporarily halted the registration of small vehicles and shelved plans to raise gas prices due to socio-economic and political concerns. Unfortunately, many decisions made in this regard have been reversed or interrupted midway through implementation.

The BRTA has not been diligent in publishing new driving licenses and those of drivers driving with illegal vehicles. It has

not made any improvement in its training program for both new and semi-skilled old drivers. However, it is the drivers who are responsible for causing the deaths of more than 3000 people every year and worsening the traffic jam situation, which is already occupying the maximum road capacity. The minister acknowledged the government's failure in controlling the traffic situation in Dhaka. My point is that failure or success comes after taking action, but the government did not take any action to solve the problem.