B Mirror Report: The government has taken a comprehensive initiative to reform and modernize the traffic management system in a bid to reduce persistent traffic congestion in the capital.

The decision was made at a special meeting on “Reducing Traffic Congestion in Dhaka City and Modernizing Traffic Management” held today at the Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, according to his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed authorities to take swift and effective measures to tackle traffic congestion and emphasized the need for a modern, time-appropriate traffic system.

Several key decisions were adopted, including the gradual automation of 120 traffic signals in the capital using local technology. Plans were also made to construct new bypass roads around Dhaka, along with overpasses and underpasses within the city.

Unauthorized bus counters inside the city will be removed, while five inter-district bus terminals will be relocated outside Dhaka and repurposed for city bus services.

Authorities also decided to clear illegal roadside encroachments and remove electric poles from the middle of roads. Automated signal lighting systems will be introduced at railway crossings alongside existing manual systems.

Additionally, city buses will be brought under a GPS tracking system. Most foot overbridges will be equipped with escalators, while those near hospitals will feature locally developed elevators.

Ministers and senior officials, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and representatives from Dhaka’s two city corporations, attended the meeting.

Participants expressed optimism that the short-term measures could significantly ease traffic congestion by the end of April, while medium- and long-term plans are expected to bring lasting improvements.