Improvements visible, but still a long way to go

Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) pilot project to bring traffic discipline to Dhaka streets has seen some success in its first two weeks, but a lot still remains to be done. 

In an initiative titled “model traffic corridor”, DMP selected a seven kilometre stretch of thoroughfare passing right through the heart of the city -- from Jahangir Gate to Gulistan Zero Point -- and decided to enforce traffic rules strictly on this corridor. Based on the experiences of a month-long exercise, DMP would extend the project to other major roads of the city.

DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia announced the project -- taken as per the direction of the Prime Minister's Office -- on September 4, to be carried out in association with the two Dhaka city corporations.

The activities under the project include erecting 4.5 feet high strong fences; making the pedestrians use zebra crossings, underpasses and foot over-bridges; keeping foot over-bridges and underpasses clean; assigning designated bus stops and ensuring that buses only stop there, improving use of traffic signals and making bus drivers follow traffic rules.    

After the first 10 days of the initiative, field traffic officers say they managed to bring some discipline among bus drivers and passengers but a lot more cooperation from drivers and pedestrians are needed to fully bring the chaotic situation on one of the busiest roads in the city under control.

While visiting different intersections of the route, it was seen that bus drivers and pedestrians followed traffic rules in some areas, and did not in other parts.     

Most people crossing the Sonargaon intersection were seen using zebra crossings, while many also waited for buses at the designated bus stop in the area. 

“People are using zebra crossings. We tell them to wait at the designated bus stop. Some people listen and some don't,” said Traffic Inspector of Tejgaon zone Anwar Kabir, who was on duty at the intersection.       

At Shahbagh, the situation was a tad challenging.

“I have to stop buses or motorcycles if they break traffic rules, and fine them after checking necessary papers. If suddenly pedestrians start jaywalking, it becomes difficult to look after both simultaneously,” said Traffic Sergeant of Shahbagh zone Sadi Ali Sayed.

Traffic police also said punishing pedestrians for violating traffic laws is not their duty. Magistrates can punish the pedestrians for jaywalking through mobile courts. 

Pedestrians also have mixed opinions on using zebra crossings, foot over-bridges or underpasses.

From Jahangir Gate to Zero Point, there are 13 foot-bridges and one underpass. Besides, there are zebra crossings, many of them painted recently, at most intersections on the route.

However, from Shahbagh to the Matsya Bhaban intersection there are no zebra crossings, and people were seen running across the street amidst traffic to get to the other side.

“I prefer zebra crossing to foot-bridge while crossing the road, as it saves time and is not as physically taxing,” said Jamshed, who was waiting for a bus at a designated spot in Karwan Bazar.

However, one of the reasons not all pedestrians are taking traffic rules in stride is bad habits formed over years and lack of awareness.

“When I see people cross the road without using the zebra crossing or stand at an undesignated spot for bus, I do the same,” said Jamiul Alam, a private job holder.   

Near Shahbagh, a sexagenarian woman from Gazipur was seen waiting for bus away from the designated spot. When asked, she said, “I do not know anything about the bus stop.”

It is also true that some designated bus stops are not convenient at all for drivers and passengers. In front of BSMMU at Shahbagh, the bus stop is occupied by parked cars, and local vendors, while a part of the road is under construction. The situation at Paltan and Gulistan Zero Point were similar.

According to Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba), these transgressions are in violation of sections 66, 67, 68, 72, 77 and 80 of DMP Ordinance. The organisation says on its website that on average one pedestrian dies or is injured every day because of reckless driving in the city.

DMP has recently designated 121 bus stops in the city, and has issued directive to keep doors of buses shut while travelling between stops.

From Jahangir Gate to Shahbagh, bus drivers were seen keeping the doors closed from stop to stop, but that practice changed from Shahbagh to Zero Point.

“We keep the door shut before arriving at the next stop, but in Gulistan area it is not possible due to the crowd. People want to get on the bus from undesignated spots,” said Md Babu, driver of a Bihongo Paribahan bus.

Bus helper Karim, who was stuck in traffic jam near Matsya Bhaban, said, “Standing all day at the bus' door is tiring, and opening the door from stoppage to stoppage is even more exhausting. Besides, if the doors are closed there is little ventilation; I keep the door open to let air in.”

Some staff buses and BRTC buses were also seen keeping their doors open while on the road.

The other oft-seen traffic violation is motorbikes with their riders and passengers not wearing helmets, and sometimes three people on a bike. Although more bike riders and their passengers are using helmets than before, a significant number of them are still violating the rules.

Talking over the phone, Additional Commissioner of DMP Mir Rezaul Alam said there are infrastructural problems on the roads, and DMP is trying to bring up solutions incorporating the two city corporations.

“The dividers on the roads are not fenced in some places, so people try to jump over those. We also need support from people to bring discipline on the road,” he said.

He admitted that buses and motorbikes are plying the roads in some places without following traffic rules, but hoped that such scenario will change after a month.