Automatic traffic signal launched at Shahbagh

To ease Dhaka's traffic congestion and increase the use of modern technology in traffic management, an automatic traffic signal system has been launched experimentally at Shahbagh intersection. The new system will reduce the need for constant manual intervention by traffic police in signal control.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the trial run of the modern traffic signal system at Shahbagh intersection on Thursday, August 13.

Speaking at the inauguration, the DSCC Administrator said severe traffic congestion is one of Dhaka's biggest problems, costing citizens countless working hours every day. To address this, the initiative has been taken to make traffic movement more systematic and dynamic through a technology-based automatic signal system.

He said an initiative has been taken to implement modern signal systems at 20 important intersections initially. As part of the Prime Minister's special initiative, the system is being installed with technical assistance from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

Under DSCC, the signal system has been prepared at eight important intersections initially. These are: Banglamotor, Hotel InterContinental, Mintu Road, Kakrail Circle, Matsya Bhaban, Kadam Chattar, Shiksha Bhaban and Shahbagh. The trial run began at Shahbagh from Thursday.

The DSCC Administrator said the goal is to launch this modern signal system at 50 more important intersections in Dhaka metropolis over the next few months. Among them, signals at 22 more intersections under DSCC will be launched soon.

Once this new system is fully operational, traffic police will not need to constantly control vehicles with hand signals as before. However, authorities have stressed the importance of following traffic rules to ensure the success of the technology-based system.

The DSCC Administrator said illegal parking on roads must be stopped. Drivers and pedestrians must refrain from violating traffic signals and rules. At the same time, traffic warning signs, road markings, zebra crossings and designated lanes must be observed.

He also called for ensuring no obstructions or floating shops at intersections.

Abdus Salam expressed hope that successful implementation of this modern system would not only save citizens' working hours but also reduce the occupational strain on police personnel who have to stand on roads in sun and rain to manage traffic.

He said traffic laws will be strictly enforced to ensure the benefits of technology. He also expressed the expectation of building Dhaka as a more dynamic and modern city through citizens' awareness and cooperation.

The inauguration was attended by DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, Chief Engineer Noor Azizur Rahman, BUET Professor Dr Moazzem Hossain, Professor Dr Muhammad Hadiuzzaman, and DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Mohammad Anisur Rahman, along with other concerned officials.