Local trains a viable solution for Dhaka’s traffic woes?

Commuting from Uttara to Karwan Bazar is a nightmare. If it has to be put into perspective in terms of hours, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on a good day. When the traffic is not in your favour, there are instances of being stuck on the road for almost 2 hours 45 minutes.

Exiting Uttara, especially now with all the chaos of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction happening around the airport area, is indeed a test of patience. The never-ending BRT project, which was supposed to ease the traffic congestion is now the sole reason for taking 30 minutes or more to just cross the airport intersection. Pedestrians, construction debris, and men at work have all added to the commotion, and Uttara residents try to avoid this main access road connecting Uttara to Dhaka like a rogue.

With the start of the metro rail, a lot of these traffic problems have eased further north of Uttara no doubt. In fact, there is a beautiful road joining Uttara to Mirpur giving the residents a better second option to commute. Then there is the detour of roughly 22 km from Ashulia to Dhanmondi via Beribadh Road. There is less traffic on this highway and is the most favoured option to commute from Uttara regularly.

Photo: Prabir Das

The other non-conventional way to exit Uttara for central Dhaka is by availing the local train. This ride, as a means of public transport in Dhaka, is faster but not without suffering. Yet, for Uttara residents, availing the local train is far easier than a bus ride.

If you take an intercity train ride, the ticket comes at Tk 25. For the local train, the price is Tk 20. The train compartment is crowded and you do not find space to stand. Many office-goers to Motijheel, Sayedabad, and areas like Paltan choose this option of travel.

Dhaka as a city is now choked with traffic. While many theories are being projected to ease traffic congestion, as a layperson, I believe improving our public transport system can be a viable option.

Trains bring in an air of nostalgia in many of us. It brings back childhood memories. The Uttara-Kamalapur train ride however has no romanticism attached to it. It is a hard reality for many. However, that does not have to be the case. Introducing a shuttle train between Uttara and Kamalapur will do marvels to ease the commute for a lot of people.