Initiative not fully functional yet after 6-month pilot

The interim government's initiative to install new semi-automated traffic signals in the capital's one of the busiest corridors is yet to be fully functional after over six months of piloting.

Experts say the delay is due to the city corporation not being able to complete all the works.

The interim government took the initiative to launch the signal system at 22 points with the help of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) early last year, aiming to cover the entire signal system at all points. 

However, as infrastructural work at all 22 signal points was not completed, piloting was launched at seven intersections from Jahangir Gate to Shahbagh on August 29.

The BUET team is happy with the successful functioning of signals at four intersections.

But it claimed the signal at Bangla Motor performed the worst due to allowing mixed traffic to cross the intersection.

"We are in big trouble with the project as it was supposed to be handed over to the city corporation for operation and maintenance by now. But it has not yet fully covered all the 22 points," said Professor Moazzem Hossain, team leader of the BUET-led project.

The semi-automated traffic signals are now fully operational at Jahangir Gate, Prime Minister's Office, Bijoy Sarani, and Farmgate, where signals are manually operated when traffic police see unusual traffic pressure during specific times.

Professor Mohammad Hadiuzzaman said it was initially hard to convince the traffic police to comply with the BUET's model of signal system as that was not the culture.

"But they are now doing an excellent job at these four signal points. They cooperate with the staff sitting inside to change the signal lights according to traffic flow," he told the FE.

But the signal points at InterContinental Dhaka, Banglamotor, and Sonargaon could not be made fully functional yet.

Dr Moazzem said though signal light installation, sign signals, and readying road surface in all the other 22 points are supposed to be completed by now, the city corporation could not complete the civil works due to frequent changes of administrators, lack of fund, authorities to sign necessary documents, as well as changes of contractors to carry out these works.

Though the signal system from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to the High Court was supposed to be under the new signal system, Dr Moazzem said the BUET team has already completed all the technical works to install the new system.

He also said signals at Shikkha Bhaban, Matsya Bhaban, Mintoo Road, and Kadam crossings are now being operated automatically at night. But as other formalities have not been completed, these points could not be made fully functional yet, he added.

smunima@yahoo.com