The parking policy introduced by the prior government in 2019 has stagnated without progress. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), tasked with improving transportation services and traffic management in line with Greater Dhaka’s infrastructure expansion, has yet to finalize the draft after five years. With the capital city experiencing a surge in motor vehicles and consequent roadside parking issues, an urgent need exists for a comprehensive policy to regulate the construction and utilization of appropriate parking facilities.
Ideally, a modern city should reserve 20-25 percent of its space for roads; however, Dhaka only allocates 7-8 percent for this purpose. Regrettably, these limited roads often fall victim to illegal vehicle occupation, further restricting space for commuters and pedestrians. Notably, in areas like Karwan Bazar, vehicles are frequently found parked unlawfully near establishments such as the WASA office, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, and the metro station, leading to severe congestion. Moreover, along the New Eskaton Road, from Banglamotor to Moghbazar, auto repair shops line the streets, where vehicles are both parked and serviced, mirroring similar scenarios across the city. Even institutions like hospitals, shopping centers, and community hubs utilize public roads for parking, exacerbating traffic woes.
The draft parking policy encompasses various guidelines concerning parking space development and utilization. It explicitly forbids parking on roads unless in designated zones demarcated by approved signage and markings within urban areas. The policy also advocates for traffic authorities to take prompt action against unauthorized road parking. Furthermore, it stipulates that proper parking facilities must be confirmed for public transport vehicles before registration approval is granted. Buildings lacking adequate parking provisions must adhere to construction regulations to avoid legal repercussions as per the policy.
Traffic congestion stands as a critical challenge for Dhaka, draining valuable work hours and impacting productivity and residents’ quality of life. While prior administrations initiated infrastructure projects like flyover constructions and implemented temporary solutions such as segregating lanes for rickshaws to alleviate congestion, these measures proved ineffective. To combat this issue, ensure pedestrian access to sidewalks, and enhance the city’s overall ambiance, establishing ample parking spaces is imperative. Therefore, the formulation of a robust parking policy remains crucial.