It is not often that I have the opportunity to write about some
specific short term relief program for Dhaka's transport problems that
is expected to be implemented shortly. Today I can mention of such a
proposed program. Recently, the Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation,
Annisul Huq, made some announcements about introducing a set of U-Loops
(path ways where vehicles can make an about turn in the opposite
direction) on a major north south transport artery from Joydebpur
Chourasta to Satrasta intersection on Shaheed Tajuddin Sharani by June
2016. The aim is to lessen the traffic jams on this route by a method
that can also be implemented in a relatively short period of time. The
cost out lay compared to many is also modest, not requiring more than
sixty million dollars.
A series of specifically designed U-loops systems from Telepra (about
600 meters north of Joydebpur Chourasta) to Satrasta intersection on
Shaheed Tajuddin Sharani for a signal free motorised travel is proposed
to be built. The broad intention is to provide for faster motorised
travel by providing largely signal free motor vehicle movements at all
intersections on this alignment. There are 63 road cuts on this
alignment. Of these 20 are major road intersections. To quicken the
traffic flow, all right hand turnings at all intersections will be
closed and by providing right hand turnings through U- loops at points
before and after the intersection points.
In all there shall be 22 pairs of (44) (or double U-loops) at 22
locations on the route. Two types of U-loop designs will be built for
the purpose. A larger and wider type, Type A' U–Loop shall provide
turnings for all vehicles including buses, double decker buses, trucks
as well as smaller vehicles such as cars and auto rickshaws. A smaller
U-loop, Type B's, shall provide right hand turnings for smaller vehicles
such cars, and auto rickshaws.
The U –loops will be located in three broad sections on the proposed road alignment.
A. On the Dhaka–Mymensingh Road, at: 1. Telepara; 2. Autpara; 3.
Easter Bypass–east side; 4. Eastern by Pass-west side; 5. Millat
Madrasha; 6. Matsha Beej; 7. Open University; 8. People's Ceramic
Industry; 9. Ahsanullah Master Stadium.
B. The next nine U-loop locations will be on the Dhaka Airport road
from Tongi Bridge to Mohakhali Flyover at: 10. Abdullahpur Intersection;
11. House Building /Muscat Plaza; 12. Rajlakshmi Shopping Centre/North
of Jasimuddin Intersection; 13. RAB 1; 14. Flying Academy/Civil
aviation; 15. Army Golf Club/Radisson Hotel; 16. Under Banani Rail
Crossing Underpass; 17. Banani/Kakali Rail Station; 18. Chairman Bari;
19. Under Mohakhali Flyover
C. On Shaheed Tajuddin Sharani, at: 20. Moakhali Inter-District Bus
Terminal; 21. Kohinoor Chemicals Company; 22. Satrasta Intersection
under Mogh Bazaar Flyover.
The proposed U-loops will be accommodated within existing road
allowances and with minimal land acquisitions from some other government
departments. No private land acquisitions will be required.
Some of the anticipated benefits can be summarised as follows;
• Reduce traffic jams on this arterial corridor
• Faster and signal free motorised travel should save about 30% to 40% in travel time
• This program can be built for a comparatively lower cost (the
preliminary cost estimate is under taka 60.00 crores for the entire 32.5
km distance including 22 pairs of double loops, intersection closures'
and some with pedestrian crossovers).
• Construction and implementation period is also relatively short,
with minimal disruptions to traffic during construction periods.
• A needed companion dedicated bus lane program can and should be
integrated with U-Loop program. Modifications to U-loop locations and
designs can be made easily
• Reduced carbon emissions expected, because of faster traffic
movement and lesser and fewer traffic jams and vehicle emissions, is a
positive result and will help in positive climate change actions.
• People will notice a visible positive change in motorised travel on this major transport route.
Implementing the U- Loop program on a single transport artery, will
be a first step towards freeing of traffic jams in Dhaka. If the program
is to be successful, other major commuter arteries such as the Mirpur
Road from Gabtali to New Market, Manik Mia Ave. and the Airport Road
artery from Mohakhali to Sonarganon Hotel and beyond should be brought
under its integrated realm. To extend this program to Dhaka South City
area for greater benefits, the two city corporations have to co-operate
on this program.
The U–loop program will be more successful when it will be combined
with and is integrated with the development of a revitalised public bus
system program. For this we need companion programs that include a
revitalised bus system along with dedicated bus lanes. The number of
cities with dedicated bus lanes and revitalised bus programs are
increasing every year worldwide. Buses carry more than 70% of all
motorised traffic commuter volume in Dhaka and will remain so for years
to come. But we need to revamp the entire bus system.
A combination of the two programs is not only possible but very
necessary under current and future urban transport plan and mass
commuter travel in Dhaka.
The author is an architect, an urban transport specialist. He was
a member of STP, Dhaka Advisory Committee, Senior Consultant to DTCB
(2010-2011) and prepared the Institutional Management structure for the
MRT line 6 and its rerouting plan from Shahbag intersection to the
Bangladesh Bank
Email: tanwir.nawaz@yahoo.com