Summary:
- Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced a ban on rickshaws along major roads post-Eid-ul-Fitr to reduce chronic traffic congestion.
- The plan includes vehicle-free zones within 500 meters of metro stations and installation of 78 operational automated traffic signals, with 52 more underway.
- Authorities will implement a community engagement model to reclaim encroached footpaths/water bodies and involve locals in development projects.
- The move aims to modernize Dhaka’s transit infrastructure amid persistent gridlock, though alternative routes for rickshaws remain undisclosed.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced a ban on rickshaws across the metropolitan area’s primary roads following the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, part of broader efforts to ease chronic traffic congestion. The decision was disclosed during a meeting with the Urban Development Journalists Forum at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
Ejaz stated, “Coordinating with Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), we are implementing traffic control measures. After Ramadan, rickshaws will be prohibited on main roads, and no vehicles will be allowed within 500 meters of metro stations.” He added that automated traffic signals are being installed to streamline flow, with 78 already operational and 52 more underway.
The move targets Dhaka’s persistent gridlock, exacerbated by unregulated rickshaw movement and haphazard parking. Authorities also plan to reclaim encroached footpaths and water bodies through a new community engagement model. “Development projects will now involve local participation,” Ejaz emphasized, signaling a shift toward collaborative urban management.
The restrictions align with long-term infrastructure upgrades, including the metro rail system. While rickshaws remain vital for last-mile connectivity, their removal from arterial roads aims to prioritize faster-moving vehicles. Critics, however, warn of potential disruptions to low-income commuters reliant on affordable transport.
DNCC’s announcement follows years of stalled reforms and highlights renewed urgency to modernize Dhaka’s transit networks ahead of projected population growth. Implementation timelines and alternative routes for rickshaws remain undisclosed, with details expected post-Eid.
