Rickshaw Rules

Yes, it does.

Anyone who goes out in any of Dhaka city's streets would see them dominated, if not infiltrated, by this cheap and convenient vehicle namely Rickshaw. This is the vehicle of the low and middle class citizens who need to run errands now and then. Rickshaws are affordable, as stated earlier, comfortable as it's open and roomy, and they cause zero pollution as they're pulled by the rickshaw pullers manually. It is a great public transport, except that it is completely unruly and indisciplinable, causing traffic congestion and delays for other fast moving vehicles.

It is observed that these rickshaw pullers have no sort of training or sense of traffic rules whatsoever. Yet, how are they allowed to take passengers and run the rickshaws are incomprehensible to many. They park at their whim, stop whenever and wherever they like and ask whatever fare they deem appropriate. They brave the streets as if they are the only vehicle on roads and are often seen to be taking the first or second lane, making buses and cars tailgating them very helplessly. As a result, the fast moving vehicles have to blow their horns loudly, thereby causing further noise pollution.

What needs to be done with the rickshaws:

1. The rickshaw pullers are to be given training on traffic rules and regulations. They are to go in one line, and never opt for the first or second lane unless the lanes are completely free.

2. They should park at the side of the roads for taking passengers or for rest. In no circumstances can they park or place their vehicles haphazardly. They should also be cautious of choosing the parking place and avoid parking in the turns and near the roundabouts.

3. They are to take passengers if they are out; which is to say, they can't deny taking passengers one after another.  

4. They should run preferably forming one line and should always keep an eye at the back while changing lanes. Overtaking and change of lanes are to be made with extreme caution and care as they don't have a rear view of the upcoming vehicles.

5. They should ask reasonable fare and shouldn't overcharge.

The passengers should also take care to ensure that the rickshaw pullers abide by the traffic rules. They should instruct and direct the pullers if need be.

As we have limited roads and overflowing people and vehicles, it is of utmost importance that we take care and be highly disciplined with the overall movement on roads.    

Is Dhaka falling from a cliff?

We have reasons to believe that it does.

It is somewhat alright as long as you stay indoors, provided you have arranged for uninterrupted power supply to keep the air conditioner running. But the moment you step outside, you face untold sufferings and harassment.

The first reaction you'd get on almost any street in Dhaka is: 'Why are all the stuff on the walkway?' There's virtually no space for people to ply through on the street, for they are being occupied with stalls, building materials, even parked vehicles. Walkways that don't have all these somehow, are badly broken. And whatever is broken in Dhaka remains so, for an awful long time.

So the people are forced to walk along the walkway on the side of the road instead of on the walkway. And the reaction to that is sonorous, as helpless drivers have to honk to clear out the road for them. The resulting situation ends up in a traffic jam, with vehicles honking and people flooding the streets and walkways being occupied by what not.

Very often I see some men in uniform and carrying a short stick stand at the crossroads and beckon as if trying to control traffic flow. It is hard to believe that they are actually traffic police and are trying to regulate vehicles with the aid of that short stick in their hands, as if driving cattle. I would argue that even shepherds are more facilitated in their job, and this is straight from the Middle Ages.

The rickshaws are another interesting vehicle in Dhaka. They seem to have no regard for any other on the roads, and move from lane to lane. Being the slowest mover, they ought to have stuck to the third lane throughout; instead, the rickshaws weave along, sometimes on the first lane, leading Premios and sometimes on the second lane. They slow down the general mobility on roads and also cause congestion and delays, whereas, the rickshaws are supposed to be very affordable and desirable vehicle: cheap, pollution free and comfortable. All they need, the rickshaw pullers, is some training and advice to perform most optimally on the roads.

Illegal parking and driving from the opposite side are two big vices in Dhaka. They are the reasons for traffic jams, haphazardness and delays. A stern, quick and effective fining system should be chalked out to tackle these and other foul activities on roads.

I often see some men consulting garbage in broad daylight, trying to load them in open trucks to carry them out. This is also an unmistakable mark of barbarity and a sure sign of inefficiency. Garbage aren't to be dealt with in the day time; instead this work is for the late night time when there's very less traffic and people on roads. I don't believe this would take more than common sense to understand and realize this fact.

As Dhaka is a mega city, it cannot be governed and maintained by conventional forces; it needs specially trained forces with modern equipment to keep things tidy and in order. Keeping Dhaka mobile, clean and therefore functional is more important than any other developmental work in the country. Dhaka is the heart of the country, if the heart freezes, the other activities suffer greatly.

With regard to administration and governance of the city of Dhaka, some radical decisions are to be taken immediately. The concerned authority should either 'work' properly, quickly and honestly or be replaced by more efficient and functional body of workers. I guess this is true for any work anyone does anywhere in the present world today.

We need to save people and the city of Dhaka from the clutches of worthless policies and half hearted efforts. It is time we brought some professionalism and seriousness with regard to maintaining our city.