Dhaka: A modern automatic traffic signal system was inaugurated on a pilot basis at Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Thursday as part of an initiative to modernise traffic management and reduce congestion. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam formally inaugurated the system as the chief guest.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salam emphasized that severe traffic congestion is a significant challenge for the capital, leading to the loss of valuable working hours for millions of city dwellers daily. He noted that a special pilot project had been launched to enhance vehicular movement efficiency through a technology-based automatic traffic signal system. Initially, this modern signal system is being implemented at 20 key intersections.
The installation of the system has been carried out with technical support from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) as part of a special initiative driven by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Under the DSCC, the system has been piloted at eight major intersections, including Banglamotor, InterContinental Dhaka, Minto Road, Kakrail crossing, Matsya Bhaban, Kadam Chattar, Shikkha Bhaban, and Shahbagh.
The DSCC administrator indicated that the initiative will expand further, with plans to introduce the modern signal system at an additional 50 key intersections across Dhaka in the coming months. Of these, 22 more intersections under the DSCC will see the system soon.
Salam also urged motorists and pedestrians to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, highlighting that traffic police will no longer need to manually control signals at intersections once the automatic system is fully operational. He called for the elimination of illegal roadside parking and advised drivers and pedestrians to avoid violating traffic laws and signals.
The event was attended by DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukder, Chief Engineer Nur Azizur Rahman, Prof Dr Moazzem Hossain and Dr Muhammad Hadiuzzaman of BUET, and Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Anisur Rahman, among others.