 | Businesses decry Dhaka's unbearable traffic jams
30 December, 2010
Businesses at a seminar Wednesday expressed their deep concern over the capital's deteriorating traffic situation, saying the government should immediately develop transport-related infrastructure declaring it a thrust sector.
The concern came as the much-talked-about (traffic) problem, according to a study, costs the economy an estimated US$1.68 billion annually.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised the seminar on "Modernisation of Bus Transportation in Dhaka" at the Federation office.
FBCCI President AK Azad presided over the function while Salman F Rahman, advisor on private sector development affairs to the Prime Minister, spoke as chief guest, among others.
"The problem of traffic jam in the city cannot be resolved unless the government comes up with plan of actions like constructing new roads and expanding the city areas," Akram Hossain, former FBCCI president said.
He mentioned that the traffic problem in the capital remained the same for years despite a number of projects taken up by successive governments. "The main problem is the absence of full implementation of those initiatives. It should be ensured at any cost," he added.
Some of the businessmen demanded transparency in the sector alleging widespread corruption by some unscrupulous people in the government.
They recommended formation of a strong regulatory body, good walkway for pedestrians, separate lanes for different modes of transport, hawker spaces, replacement of rickshaws with large passenger buses and proper enforcement of traffic laws.
An FBCCI director said the traffic sector should be given top priority by declaring it as a thrust sector considering its impact.
In a presentation SM Saleh Uddin, additional executive director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Board, said around 7,000 buses and minibuses are currently operating in the city.
He said the government should immediately take up measures to develop traffic-related infrastructures like separate bus services for educational institutions, installation of modern traffic signalling system, improvement of road intersection with proper channellisation, construction of modern bus stoppages, parking places and ticket booths.
Deputy Commissioner of Traffic (DMP West) Selim M Jahangir emphasised on modernisation and expansion of bus terminals to ease the congestion. "Police can't alone tackle the problem. We should work together," he said.
Salman F Rahman said the government can reduce traffic jam by developing infrastructure in the country.
"I believe it's possible here too as it has been made in cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad and Kolkata," he said after observing some PowerPoint presentations which showed how these cities could overcome the problem.
FBCCI President AK Azad said the traffic trouble costs the business community heavily by taking away valuable time. "Garment factories and other small industries should be relocated to other places to ease pressure on the overloaded capital," he suggested.
Release link:http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=121403&date=2010-12-30
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