It is concerning that despite the improved inter-district connectivity, traffic congestion remains a significant issue at the Jatrabari entry point in Dhaka. Every day, vehicles from approximately 40 districts enter Dhaka through the Mayor Hanif Flyover and the roads below, leading to severe gridlock due to poor design, inadequate management, and frequent violations of traffic regulations. This congestion negates the time saved on the highways before reaching the city.
The Mayor Hanif Flyover, designed to expedite entry into Dhaka by spanning 11.5 km from Shonir Akhra to Chankharpul, has unfortunately transformed into a notorious bottleneck for traffic. Commuters often endure long hours stranded in traffic jams at this location. For instance, a bus driver highlighted that the journey from Khulna to Dhaka takes only three and a half hours, but crossing the Gulistan toll plaza can add several more hours to the commute. Another driver, who commutes daily from Narayanganj, mentioned that descending from the flyover at Gulistan alone can take over an hour, exacerbated by delays at the toll counter. The situation is equally dire below the flyover, with the road connecting Jatrabari and Sayedabad plagued by potholes, frequent waterlogging during the rainy season, and dust accumulation in drier months. The overcrowded Sayedabad Bus Terminal, intended for 800 buses, now accommodates nearly 3,000, with unauthorized transport stands and encroachments spilling onto the streets.
Despite warnings from urban planners regarding the sustainability of flyovers in addressing Dhaka’s traffic challenges, authorities continue constructing them without comprehensive planning. Many flyovers, including the Mayor Hanif Flyover, are now consistently congested. A recent study by Brac University’s Centre for Inclusive Architecture and Urbanism revealed that Dhaka’s 10 flyovers, spanning 105 km, have 207 acres of underutilized space beneath them, resulting in substantial annual public health, environmental, and economic losses amounting to approximately Tk 21,000 crore. This alarming discovery underscores the urgent need for corrective actions. Given limited scope for improvement on the flyover itself, the focus should shift towards enhancing maintenance and repair of the roads below to alleviate congestion. Strategies such as relocating transport stands from roadside areas to within the Sayedabad Terminal and bolstering traffic monitoring and enforcement are crucial steps. Effective planning and coordination among relevant agencies are paramount to alleviate the daily commuting struggles faced by individuals entering Dhaka.