HOW disconcerted urban plan makes Dhaka city unlivable can be exemplified by the unplanned flyovers that not only have failed to ease the traffic congestion but also created an obstacle to Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) project. News media reported that the proposed Express Way may be partially implemented as arbitrarily built flyovers have blocked its route. So, boarding a bus at Airport to go to Keraniganj in 45 minutes will remain a dream – never it will be realised.
Less than half of the 22km dedicated bus lane for the BRT is now likely to be implemented, between the Airport and Mohakhali, a 10km stretch. The other half, between Mohakhali and Keraniganj, is uncertain as Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover was built defying repeated warnings from experts. It is not an end! Another flyover is proposed between Shantinagar and Keraniganj on the BRT route. The Strategic Transport Plan (STP) recommended BRT as a midterm traffic solution that is affordable, modern, safe, fast, comfortable, and environment friendly. It is to occupy two central lanes of existing roads and intended for dedicated, disciplined and reliable bus service.
Experts said that irreparable damage has been done to the public transport system while the BRT system, disjointed by flyovers, is not going to achieve its goal. While the complete BRT system would be the best solution, the system in part with termination in Mohakhali is going to be counter-productive, the experts cautioned. The commuters would have to get off at Mohakhali and they would need to take other means of transport to travel further. What astonishing is that implementing authority of Mouchak flyover did not sync the flyover’s design with four major mass transportation routes of metro rail and the BRT.
It must be very shameful that it has taken dozens of uncoordinated development projects spending several billion dollars only conducting political propaganda not for real development.
