Navigating the Worst Traffic Jams in Dhaka City: Timing and Areas

The bustling city of Dhaka is notorious for its traffic congestion, with multiple areas witnessing peak hour traffic snarls. Understanding the worst traffic jam areas and timing can help commuters plan their routes and improve their travel experience. Let's delve into the issues and provide insights based on recent observations and experiences from locals.

Commonly Affected Areas

Several locations in Dhaka stand out as the most problematic for traffic:

Farmgate: Particularly near the intersection with Kawran Bazar, this area is often reported to be highly congested. Gulshan: A popular residential and commercial area that frequently sees heavy traffic. Bashundhara: Another area notorious for traffic jams, especially due to high commercial activity. Mohammadpur: Similar to the other areas listed, this suburb also suffers from significant traffic issues.

Another interesting perspective provides Ahnaf Shariar:

ldquo;Almost everywhere in Dhaka has bad traffic in the early morning and late afternoon into early evening. These lsquo;rush hoursrsquo; are maybe a little shorter in purely residential areas but once you get into any of the many business areas… nightmare.rdquo;

Peak Traffic Hours

As expected, the worst traffic jams occur during rush hours. Specifically, this period is from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays. However, these times can shift due to local events or weather conditions. Observations also note longer peak hours in certain areas. Here are some additional areas and times:

Bijoy Shoroni (Banani): 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM could be considered the worst traffic time in this area. Uttara (Jashimuddin to airport): An outright gridlock between 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM is common, with it potentially taking an hour just to exit the neighborhood.

Based on these insights, during office hours, almost every area in Dhaka might face traffic congestion. The more precise areas and times generally include:

7:30 AM - 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Main areas where traffic congestion is prevalent. Specific hotspots include Motijheel, Dainik Bangla, Gulistan, Palton, Shahbag, Elephant Road, Science Lab, Kawran Bazar, Bangla Motor, Bijoy Soroni, Farmgate, Mirpur Road, Agargao, Gulshan, Mohakhali, Mogbazar.

Seasonal and Event-Related Impact

The unpredictable nature of traffic in Dhaka city means that major events or seasonal factors can significantly affect traffic conditions. Some specific areas and times to watch out for include:

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM in Dhanmondi due to private cars dropping students off at schools. Every day at the Mirpur 10 Circle. Every weekday at Motijheel-Shahbag. Every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Mirpur Road. Extended traffic jams in Moghbazar and Malibagh neighborhoods post work hours.

Conclusion

While no specific area can be pinpointed as having the worst traffic, it's clear that Dhaka's congestion is a year-round issue exacerbated by peak hours. Commuters and residents are advised to monitor local traffic updates and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid these snarls. Utilizing public transportation, carpooling, or alternative routes can also make a significant difference. With ongoing urban development, local authorities are working on improving infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion in these areas.