Update: The interval time between signals has been updated to 1-2 minutes, which was previously set at 15 seconds.
A total of Tk18 crore has been spent on automated traffic signals at seven intersections in a bid to ease Dhaka's infamous traffic congestion.
While commuters are yet to reap the dividends, officials point out that the signals are still in the pilot phase and functionality will improve soon. Many, meanwhile, say the traffic problems go much deeper.
Zoom out:
- More than a month after the signals were launched on 30 August at seven intersections, the city's traffic seems to still adhere to the age-old system.
- Despite flashing red lights, vehicles still halt only at the wave of a police officer's hand.
- Police say short intervals -- which were around 15 seconds in total -- caused problems in many areas, as heavy traffic would usually require much more time.
- In this regard, the authorities have already increased the intervals to one minute for small roads on intersections and two minutes for major lanes.
- The money spent and the electricity consumed are already being criticised, but officials say the system will soon function at full efficiency once the problems are ironed out.
Zoom in:
- The automated traffic signals were introduced experimentally at seven intersections from Abdullahpur to the High Court.
- The initiative is a joint effort of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), and the two city corporations.
- If successful, the system will be expanded to 15 more intersections.
The newly-installed traffic signal in the capital's Karwan Bazar.
Photo: Ashraful Alom
Where are the signals
- The trial started in only two of the eight DMP traffic divisions – Ramna and Tejgaon.
- The seven intersections with the automated signals are: Hotel Intercontinental, Banglamotor, Sonargaon (Karwan Bazar), Farmgate, Bijoy Sarani, the Chief Adviser's Office, and Jahangir Gate.
The backdrop
- In 1998, an initiative was taken to install an automated signal system in Dhaka to control traffic congestion. However, due to a lack of proper coordination and public awareness, it could not be made fully effective.
- Later, in December 2004, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a modern traffic signal system was introduced in Dhaka.
- At that time, it was observed that drivers were not following the signals, and traffic police had to give separate instructions, resulting in chaos.
- In January 2005, the system was shut down and control was handed back to the police.
- Between 2006 and 2010, several attempts were made to reactivate the signals. From 2015 to 2019, the city corporation installed signals at new locations, but these too proved ineffective.
- Research during that period showed that drivers disobeyed signals 90% of the time.
What Stream saw
- While visiting several intersections on Thursday and last Friday, it was found that the vehicles were not following the automated signals at any of the intersections, relying on traffic police instead.
- At the Karwan Bazar crossing, traffic was being managed entirely by hand signals.
- Inside the police traffic box, a large monitor was seen being used to control the signal lights of each road.
Vehicle movement still manually controlled as officials say commuters aren't used to the new system.
Photo: Ashraful Alom
What commuters, traffic police say
- Mohammad Asad, a driver of Labbayek Paribahan, waiting at the Karwan Bazar intersection, said: "Even when the lights change, out of habit, we still wait for the hand signals of the police. Moreover, due to the heavy traffic, by the time we start the vehicle and move across the intersection, the red light comes on again within just a few seconds."
- Inspector Sabdul Ali Mollah, in charge at the Karwan Bazar–Sonargaon intersection, said: "We are receiving a good response from people. We hope it will work well once some adjustments are made."
Problems identified
- Traffic police constables say clearing a 60-metre stretch in five seconds is not realistic. In this regard, the timing has already been extended.
- With rickshaws, pushcarts, and other slow-moving vehicles on the roads, the authorities concerned have been asked to revise the timings across board keeping the challenges in mind.
What officials, experts say
- An official from Dhaka North City Corporation's traffic division, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "The signals are being tested after installation. This is helping identify both advantages and shortcomings. Traffic police have already received training to adapt to the new system. In time, the signal intervals will be readjusted."
- Deputy Commissioner (Traffic–Ramna) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Shafiqul Islam, said: "People are not yet used to it. It will take some time for them to adapt. But things have already improved compared to before."
On the signal timing, he said those can be manually changed and traffic police members have been instructed to do so. - Kazi Saifun Newaz, Assistant Professor at the Accident Research Institute under BUET, said: "Considering Dhaka's reality, this is a very good initiative. However, more practical data and research are needed. With the current trial at seven intersections, errors and weaknesses are being identified, and once corrected, the system can be expanded across the city."
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