In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, the rapid increase in traffic demand due to population growth is causing chronic traffic congestion, air pollution, and other problems, resulting in economic losses and health hazards to residents, as well as worsening the investment environment and creating a major bottleneck to economic and social development. Against this backdrop, Japan supported the revision of the existing urban transportation master plan (“Dhaka Urban Transportation Strategic Plan”) in 2016, in which it proposed the development of five mass rapid transit (“MRT”) lines and two bus rapid transit (“BRT”) lines as public transportation networks. In response to this proposal, three public transportation networks, MRT Line 1, MRT Line 5 (North Line), and MRT Line 6, are currently being developed through yen loans. However, there are some challenges in the development of the areas around the stations along these urban rail lines, such as unclear procedures for permit application and approval, difficulties in coordinating stakeholders such as operators and land owners around MRT stations, and lack of smooth coordination with related agencies for policy planning and implementation in promoting public transportation oriented development (TOD) (see note below). The city is facing challenges such as lack of smooth progress in coordinating with related agencies in formulating and implementing policies in promoting TOD (Note). This cooperation will contribute to promoting appropriate urban development based on the plan by creating policies and guidelines for TOD along the MRT line in the city and establishing and operating a coordination mechanism.
(Note) Public transportation oriented development (TOD): An approach to compact urban development that does not rely on private automobiles by concentrating urban functions around public transportation hubs such as railroad stations.
© Source JICA