An automated traffic signal system has been launched on a trial basis at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, as authorities seek to modernise the capital’s traffic management and ease chronic congestion.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam inaugurated the system today with technical assistance from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).

Speaking at the inauguration, Salam said traffic congestion remains one of the major problems impacting Dhaka, costing residents valuable working hours every day.

“To find a sustainable solution to this problem, a technology-driven and fully automated traffic signal system is being introduced to make vehicular movement more orderly and efficient,” he said.

According to the DSCC, the pilot project will initially cover 20 key intersections in Dhaka. The system has been installed with direct technical support from Buet under a special government initiative.

Under the DSCC, automated signal systems have been prepared for eight key intersections: Banglamotor, InterContinental Hotel, Minto Road, Kakrail Circle, Matshya Bhaban, Kadam Chattar, Shikkha Bhaban and Shahbagh.

Salam said the initiative would be expanded further.

“Within the next few months, we aim to introduce the modern signal system at another 50 important intersections across Dhaka. Of these, the system will soon be introduced at 22 more intersections under the DSCC,” he said.

Once fully operational, the automated system is expected to reduce the need for traffic police to manually control signals.

However, Salam stressed that the success of the technology would depend heavily on compliance with traffic laws and greater public awareness. He urged motorists to stop illegal roadside parking and avoid obstructing roads and intersections.

The DSCC administrator also called on motorists to follow traffic warning signs, road markings, zebra crossings and designated lanes, adding that no makeshift shops or obstructions should be allowed at intersections.

He said strict enforcement of traffic laws would be ensured to make the technology effective and help transform Dhaka into a modern and smart city.

Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukder, DSCC chief waste management officer; Chief Engineer Nur Azizur Rahman; Buet professors Dr Moazzem Hossain and Dr Muhammad Hadiuzzaman; and DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Mohammad Anisur Rahman, among others, attended the inauguration.