The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has initiated a plan to implement a semi-automatic traffic signal system at 120 crucial intersections across the capital within the next six months.
Currently, the system is operational at 12 points, but the traffic department expects this number to exceed 60 within the next month. These details were shared by DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman, during a recent interview with BSS.
Strategic engineering and diversions
To alleviate congestion, DMP has introduced road diversions and engineering modifications at 75 points over the past year. These scientific adjustments have been implemented in areas including Bosila in Mohammadpur, Kakoli in Banani, ECB Chattar in Mirpur, and beneath the Kalshi Flyover.
Anisur highlighted the success at the western end of Manik Mia Avenue near Asad Gate. By closing the traditional four-way crossing and introducing a U-turn slightly further ahead, the left lane now remains continuously active.
This modification alone has allowed the department to reduce the required manpower at that specific junction by eight personnel.
Manpower and shift management
The DMP’s traffic division currently consists of approximately 4,100 members. However, due to leave, training, and illness, between 3,600 and 3,700 personnel are typically available to manage the city’s 668 traffic points.
While most locations operate on a two-shift basis, 25 high-priority points require 24-hour surveillance handled across three shifts.
Anisur noted that despite limited manpower, the engineering changes have received positive feedback from the field, with no reports of new complications or major tailbacks following the modifications.
Future technological integration
Anisur emphasised that simply increasing the number of traffic police is not a sustainable solution for a densely populated megacity like Dhaka. He asserted that long-term success lies in integrating science and technology into traffic management.
Looking ahead, DMP plans to further modernise the capital’s infrastructure through technology-dependent systems, including Global Positioning System (GPS) based traffic surveillance.
“It is not possible to manage traffic manually for a long time,” Anisur said, adding that implementing these plans will allow the department to provide better service with its existing workforce.
