After Dhaka, the port city of Chattogram is set to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI)-based modern traffic management system, with authorities planning to install specialised AI cameras and automated traffic signals at major intersections to tackle the city’s long-standing congestion problems.
The initiative, titled “Smart Traffic Management”, will be jointly implemented by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC).
Under the project, traffic signals at key intersections will be controlled automatically by analysing real-time vehicle movement and traffic pressure.
Officials said the project, once implemented, could bring a major change to the city’s traffic management system, which currently relies heavily on manual control.
At least four AI cameras at each intersection
According to CMP sources, at least four high-capacity AI cameras will be installed at each important intersection in the city. Additional cameras may be placed depending on the importance of the road and complexity of traffic movement.
Tigerpass intersection has been identified as one of the most challenging points due to its complex structure.
One road passes through an elevated section while another runs underneath, with the road towards Ambagan also connecting at the same point.
Officials said more cameras may be installed at Tigerpass to monitor traffic movement across different lanes.
Other busy areas, including Oli Khan intersection in Chawkbazar and New Market intersection, will also come under special monitoring.
Two projects with total cost of nearly Tk 750 crore
According to CCC officials, the overall development plan will be implemented through two separate projects.
One project will cover the installation of AI cameras and smart traffic signals, while the other will focus on setting up smart street lights on major roads across the city.
Both solar and non-solar technologies will be used for the smart street lighting system.
The estimated cost of the two projects has been set at Tk 350 crore and Tk 400 crore respectively, bringing the total planned investment for traffic management and road lighting modernisation to around Tk 750 crore.
Project at DPP and survey stage
The project is currently at the stage of preparing a development project proposal (DPP) and conducting an initial feasibility study. CCC will prepare the project profile and submit it to the Ministry of Local Government.
Officials said completing administrative approval, fund allocation and technical procedures could take six months to one year. During this period, regular coordination meetings between CMP and CCC will continue.
AI cameras to be installed at 50 intersections
CMP has already started preliminary surveys of major intersections and junctions in the city.
According to CMP sources, 50 important intersections have been identified for the project.
Among them, 10 to 15 junctions have been classified as “highly important”. The list includes Kazir Dewri, Tigerpass, Agrabad commercial area, Bahaddarhat, Chawkbazar, Gate No 2, GEC and EPZ intersections.
Following the initial survey, authorities are now assessing traffic pressure and determining signal timings at different locations.
System to be operated by CMP control room
CMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Wahidul Haque Chowdhury told TIMES of Bangladesh that a central control room would be established at CMP headquarters to operate the entire system.
The control room will analyse vehicle density in real time and automatically determine traffic signal timings accordingly.
He said the system would reduce the need for traffic police officers to manually control vehicle movement by standing on roads in extreme weather conditions.
Plan to connect with BRTA database
BRTA Chattogram Deputy Director Kazi Mahbub told TIMES that although the project was primarily an initiative of CMP and CCC, integration with the BRTA’s central database would be required in the future to introduce automated cases against unlicensed or unfit vehicles.
He said the database integration process would be controlled by BRTA’s headquarters.
The local office would not be directly involved but would provide necessary support based on central approval, he added.
Why modernisation is needed
Chattogram’s existing traffic signal system has become largely ineffective, with most of the signals at around 46 important points in the city remaining non-functional.
At busy intersections such as Agrabad, Lalkhan Bazar, Muradpur and Bahaddarhat, control boxes exist but many traffic lights do not operate.
In some places, the poles have also become damaged. Officials said the manual system has contributed to frequent traffic congestion and confusion among drivers.
However, transport workers said AI technology alone would not be enough and that improving road capacity and increasing public awareness were also necessary.
Three-wheeler driver Mohammad Maksud said installing AI cameras could reduce harassment by police but questioned whether automated cases would be effective given Chattogram’s narrow roads.
