Dhaka Nexus - A Networks of Towns

Dhaka is “growing” in its own happy rhythm, spurred on every now and then by fragmentary planning initiatives. This “growth” is neither relieving pressures at the centres nor creating a decent urban development for the city and its regions. We propose a “Dhaka Nexus” linking the core city with a greater region. Dhaka Nexus is a new network of liveable towns and settlements based on improved transportation and economic opportunities to facilitate their distribution of population and resources. The nexus system can support the creation of multiple and diverse kinds of settlements, catering to different needs and experiences. Better quality of urban life in the nodal towns, with less travel time, will encourage decongestion in existing Dhaka. Rail as principal infrastructural organisation supported by roadways and waterways. Three rail types: Regional, metro and light rail. Dhaka to have two major rail stations: Gazipur as North Station, and Keranigonj as South Station. New and old nodal towns, developed along transport corridors, and planned as highly liveable settlements. Each nodal town energised with new institutions, housing, civic facilities and economic opportunities. Economic axis along Dhaka-Bhairab in north-east, and Dhaka-Bhanga in south-west. Proper land-use in inter-nodal areas for safeguarding agricultural, wetland and ecologically sensitive areas.

The Key features

Rail as principal infrastructural organisation supported by roadways and waterways.

Three rail types: Regional, metro and light rail.

Dhaka to have two major rail stations: Gazipur as North Station, and Keranigonj as South Station.

New and old nodal towns, developed along transport corridors, and planned as highly liveable settlements.

Each nodal town energised with new institutions, housing, civic facilities and economic opportunities.

Economic axis along Dhaka-Bhairab in north-east, and Dhaka-Bhanga in south-west.

Proper land-use in inter-nodal areas for safeguarding agricultural, wetland and ecologically sensitive areas.

See Rethinking Urban Spaces for more articles from our special supplement