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There is optimism that daily commuters in Dhaka will get a great relief by the end of the year. The reason behind the optimism is completion of a number of mega infrastructure projects in Dhaka. According to a report, carried in a contemporary, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6, Dhaka Elevated Expressway, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line-3, and the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) are scheduled to become operational by September and October this year. As these projects will be in operation, traffic movements will be faster and smoother in many parts of the capital city.
Among these projects, MRT or Dhaka metro rail is expected to bring the maximum benefit as it will significantly reduce the travel time from Uttara to Motijheel. Currently, it takes around two hours to commute on the route. By using the metro rail, a commuter is expected to reach Motijheel from Uttara within 40 minutes even after the trains touching 15 more stations in between. The overhead metro rail is the first of its kind in the country and currently in operation partially.
To attain the optimal benefit of the metro rail, feeder bus service in the critical stations like Farmgate is necessary. Entry and exit passages of the metro stations should also be kept free of any obstacles like unauthorised parking of vehicles and street vendors. It will be a challenging task for the authorities as street vending flourishes across the city thank to political backing. These vendors have already occupied many roads and streets causing trouble to commuters and vehicles. It is alleged that those who backed the illegal street vendors are now trying to occupy some portions of entry and exit paths of metro stations. If they are allowed under political pressure, it will reduce the efficiency of the metro rail.
The partial opening of the third terminal of HSIA in October will also bring some relief for commuters as airport-bond traffic will be diverted and distributed.
It is, however, difficult to comprehend how the BRT will become an efficient communication service. The entire 20.5-kilometre stretch of the BRT, is connecting Airport with Gazipur. The mix of ground and overhead dedicated bus corridor has reduced the width of main road on the ground level. Dhaka-bound commuters from Gazipur will finish their smooth travel at HSIA area and then look for other transport to move ahead. Those who commute between Gazipur to Uttara will, however, get the benefit of reduced travel-time. Thus, BRT is likely to bring partial gain and may become an inefficient project in the long-run.
The elevated express way will cover a distance of 46.73 km, consisting of a 19.73 km main flyover and 31 km of elevated links and ramps. The highly ambitious and costly project is expected to ease the traffic congestion on the north-south corridor. Initially, 11-km stretch from Airport to Farmgate will be opened for vehicles.
What is now clear is that the optimal benefits of all these mega projects will not be visible soon. Moreover, the continuation of the existing traffic mismanagement on roads may make it difficult for commuters to move smoothly. Chaotic presence of para-transit like CNG-run three-wheeler and battery-run rickshaw will pose a big challenge to entry and exit to and from connecting roads.