DSCC to launch 'Intelligent Traffic System': Mayor

To improve the traffic system of Dhaka city, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is going to introduce “Intelligent Traffic System” in the city, said DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon yesterday.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a month-long programme on “Clean and safe mobility” at Sonargaon hotel, the mayor said this system will be introduced with the financial help of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is an advanced application which aims to provide innovative services relating to different modes of transport and traffic management, and enables users to be better informed to make safer, more coordinated and “smarter” use of transport.

Khokon said four intersections -- Fulbaria, Paltan, Mohakahli and Gulshan 1 -- will be developed under the project.

Traffic movement will be monitored centrally through setting up vehicular image detector video cameras under the project, the mayor said.

A pilot project is on to ensure that vehicles maintain separate lanes. Following success of the pilot project, it can be implemented throughout the city, he said.

The mayor said they will form a working unit involving 75 officials to strengthen the traffic management of DSCC.

Though the initiative may seem insufficient to deal with the complex traffic challenges of Dhaka city, DSCC has undertaken several projects including building safe roads, stopping reckless driving, encouraging people to use zebra crossing and footbridge, ensuring footpaths for pedestrians, discouraging people from unnecessary honking, taking and dropping passengers at designated places and keeping unfit buses off the road, said the mayor.

Speaking at the programme, architect Mobasher Hossain said to make the capital city liveable, it is imperative to properly develop neighbouring areas. 

Stressing the need to enforce laws, he said public awareness of traffic rules is necessary.