Dhaka: Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a Taka 1,904-crore development plan for the fiscal year 2026-27, intending to transform the southern part of the capital into a modern, traffic-congestion-free, green, and livable city. This comprehensive plan emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into traffic management, constructing a bus terminal in Kanchpur, enhancing Dhanmondi Lake, and implementing extensive tree plantation efforts, according to the DSCC administrator, veteran freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, who shared details with BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DSCC aims to develop South Dhaka into a ‘smart and green city’ by maintaining environmental balance, establishing a modern communication system, and enhancing the city’s aesthetics. An analysis of DSCC’s budget allocation for 2026-27 reveals a total of Taka 1,904.42 crore earmarked for development, a decrease from the Taka 2,196.40 crore allocated in 2025-26, with the revised budget standing at Taka 1,707.41 crore.
A significant aspect of this fiscal year’s development strategy is the self-funded construction and development of infrastructure, with Taka 806.49 crore allocated for this sector. This represents an increase of Taka 79.33 crore over the previous year’s allocation. A substantial portion of this budget is directed towards roads and highways, with Taka 526.6 crore set aside to enhance road infrastructure in the southern city area, facilitating safe and comfortable movement for citizens.
The plan extends beyond traditional infrastructure development, focusing on technology-driven solutions to manage traffic congestion. Taka 40 crore has been allocated for installing AI-based traffic signals at 22 intersections within the DSCC area, supported by technical assistance from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Abdus Salam emphasized the necessity of technology in modern city management, suggesting that AI-based signals could significantly reduce traffic congestion and save valuable time.
Another major initiative involves relocating the Sayedabad Inter-District Bus Terminal to Kanchpur, following the Prime Minister’s directive. With Taka 40 crore allocated for the development of the Kanchpur bus terminal, this move aims to ease traffic congestion by reducing the entry of long-distance buses into the capital.
The development plan also prioritizes environmental and recreational enhancements. Taka 45 crore is allocated for the development and beautification of Dhanmondi Lake, aiming to make it more citizen-friendly while preserving its ecological balance. Abdus Salam stressed that urban development should ensure citizens’ rights to walk, recreation, and a clean environment, highlighting the importance of developing open spaces and green areas.
In alignment with the ‘Green Dhaka’ initiative, Taka 7 crore has been dedicated to a tree plantation program in 2026-27. Under the National Tree Plantation Programme, extensive tree planting is planned across DSCC, with efforts already underway under the ‘Zero Soil’ program. The DSCC has established a permanent nursery in Osmani Udyan to support sustainable tree plantation efforts, aiming to produce 15,000 to 20,000 saplings annually.
Abdus Salam noted that making Dhaka South City green requires not only large projects but also planned tree planting in medians, parks, and open spaces. He emphasized the necessity of citizen participation in urban development, stating that lasting benefits will only occur when citizen awareness and responsibility are integrated into development efforts.