Dhaka is probably one of the world’s most congested cities. Transportation times and their unpredictability considerably affect the quality of life, with a considerable impact on the economy as well.
According to estimates, losses due to traffic jams represent approximately USD 5 billion per year, i.e. more than 2% of the GDP. The situation could continue to deteriorate as the motorization rate, which is still relatively low, is likely to rise with economic growth.
Various initiatives have been launched in order to endow the city with better transportation infrastructure, such as the metro project or the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) project, co-funded by AFD.
Although essential, infrastructural improvements alone will not remedy the situation. Solid institutional support is necessary in order to ensure the coordination of different infrastructure projects, regular dialogue between the various actors and the interconnections of different modes of transport.
AFD is providing DTCA (Dhaka Transportation Coordination Authority) with technical assistance in order to help it play this fundamental role. AFD aims to strengthen the institution’s operational capacities through pilot projects such as the development of a transport corridor, the bus network’s restructuring and the implementation of unified pricing or even traffic and parking management.
The aim is to enhance DTCA’s autonomy, strengthen its legitimacy as Dhaka’s transport authority and ensure its inclusion in decision-making processes.
- Improvement in the urban transportation system through better coordination between the various transportation actors in Dhaka
- Capacity-building of DTCA through the recruitment and training of new staff
- Acquisition of the data necessary for monitoring traffic conditions (including a Geographic Information System)
This project is carried out with the support of the European Union
The content of this project information sheet falls under the sole responsibility of the AFD and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the European Union.
-
on the same region
Water and SanitationFighting InequalitiesImprove access to drinking water in Dhaka’s informal settlements
-
on the same topic
InfrastructureFighting InequalitiesRehabilitation of sports facilities for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics
-
on the same financial tool
EnergyDigital and InnovationDeveloping Solar Energy Production and Modernizing the Electricity Operator's IT System