Push button for safe road-crossing

Crossing a road in Dhaka is a feat in itself. Where other cities have already invested in smart traffic management systems based on automation, Dhaka is still relying on outdated methods.

Often times, people are seen risking their lives just to go to the other side or crossing a road at will as traffic management in this mega city is mostly dependent on manual control.

With an aim to help pedestrians cross an intersection safely and reduce risks of accidents, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has installed a “push button time countdown signal” system on a pilot basis in two of its areas.

Mayor Atiqul Islam inaugurated the automated system in front of SFX Greenherald International School in Mohammadpur yesterday. A similar signal has been set up in front of Brac University in Mohakhali.

The project cost around Tk 9.2 lakh.

“If someone wants to cross the road, he/she will have to push the button and after a certain time it will automatically show a sign for vehicles to stop. Also, a green arrow shape signal will light up for pedestrians to cross the road,” said Nayeem Rayhan Khan, DNCC assistant engineer (civil).

“Pedestrians will have around 27 seconds to cross the road. A person can use the signal again after 127 seconds,” he added.

However, after the signal was inaugurated, traffic police and volunteers from the school had to stop vehicles manually as drivers were yet to be habituated with it. Not just drivers, many pedestrians were seen crossing the road when the red light was on.

“There are cameras installed at the signal. If any vehicle violates rules, action will be taken against them,” said the DNCC mayor while addressing a programme as chief guest at Greenherald.

He said they will gradually set up the system in other areas.

DNCC has a plan to install this system at 22 points -- mainly in front of educational institutions -- by this year, according to officials.

The crossing and the footpath is at the same level to help people with physical disabilities, said architect Shareq Rauf Choudhury, who designed the system.

Initially, it will take some time for people to get used to it, he added. If necessary, the timeframe to cross the road can also be changed. Shareq said the signal at Mohammadpur will be maintained by the Greenherald authorities.

Among others, special assistant to the prime minister Barrister Biplob Barua and principal of the school Sister Virginia Asha Gomes addressed the programme.