DSCC unveils Tk1,904-crore plan to transform Dhaka into a ‘Smart and Green’ city

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has undertaken a Tk1,904-crore development programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year, aiming to transform the southern part of the capital into a modern, green, livable and traffic-congestion-free area.

The plan places particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI)-powered traffic management, the development of a bus terminal at Kanchpur, improvement and beautification of Dhanmondi Lake, and large-scale tree plantation, DSCC Administrator and veteran freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam told BSS.

He said the corporation wants to build a “smart and green city” in South Dhaka by maintaining environmental balance, upgrading the communication system and enhancing the city’s overall aesthetics.

According to DSCC’s development allocation for FY2026-27, Tk1,904.42 crore has been earmarked for development activities. The original allocation for the previous fiscal year was Tk2,196.40 crore, which was later revised down to Tk1,707.41 crore.

A significant feature of this year’s programme is the development and construction of infrastructure using the corporation’s own funds. Tk806.49 crore has been allocated for the sector, compared with Tk727.16 crore in the original budget and Tk728.15 crore in the revised budget for FY2025-26.

Of the current allocation, Tk526.6 crore has been set aside for roads and related infrastructure. The funds will support the construction, renovation and maintenance of roads across the DSCC area, with the aim of ensuring safer and more convenient mobility for residents.

The development programme, however, goes beyond conventional infrastructure projects. The corporation has planned technology-driven measures to tackle traffic congestion, including the installation of AI-based traffic signals at 22 intersections. Tk40 crore has been allocated for the initiative, which will receive technical assistance from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

Abdus Salam said technology has become essential to modern urban management.

“If AI-based traffic signals can analyse vehicle movement and traffic pressure in real time, they can help reduce congestion and save valuable time for city residents,” he said.

Another major transport initiative involves preparations to relocate the Sayedabad Inter-District Bus Terminal to Kanchpur.

Following instructions from the Prime Minister, Tk40 crore has been allocated this fiscal year to develop the Kanchpur terminal, including its platforms, sheds, ticket counters and toilet facilities, the administrator said.

DSCC officials said relocating the inter-district terminal to Kanchpur would reduce the movement of long-distance buses inside Dhaka. This, they said, would help ease congestion and lessen the pressure of heavy vehicles on the capital’s roads.

Environmental conservation and recreational facilities have also received significant attention in the development programme. Tk45 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development, environmental improvement and beautification of Dhanmondi Lake.

The funds will be used to make the lake more attractive and accessible to citizens while preserving its ecological balance.

Abdus Salam said urban development should not be confined to roads and buildings.

“Citizens have the right to walk, enjoy recreation and live in a clean environment. That is why we are giving importance to developing open spaces and green areas, including Dhanmondi Lake,” he said.

The corporation has also placed strong emphasis on its “Green Dhaka” initiative alongside its smart-city plans. Tk7 crore has been allocated for tree plantation during FY2026-27.

Under the National Tree Plantation Programme, DSCC plans to carry out extensive plantation activities in various parts of the city.

Trees and grass have already been planted along road medians under the “Zero Soil” initiative. The corporation has also taken steps to beautify different medians by leasing them for advertising through its revenue department.

To support long-term plantation activities, DSCC has established a permanent nursery at Osmani Udyan, the administrator said.

Around 1,400 saplings of different sizes have already been collected at the nursery. The corporation aims to produce between 15,000 and 20,000 saplings of various species there next year.

Another nursery is also being established on the southern side of Nagar Bhaban, Abdus Salam said.

These nurseries will eventually enable DSCC to produce and supply its own saplings for plantation programmes across the city, reducing dependence on external sources.

Abdus Salam stressed that making Dhaka greener would require more than large-scale projects. He said trees should be planted systematically along road medians, in parks and open spaces, and around different institutions.

“We want a Dhaka where development is visible, communication is modern, the environment is green and citizens can live comfortably. To achieve this, citizen participation must go hand in hand with development projects,” he said.

The DSCC administrator said the benefits of urban development could be sustained only if residents also became aware of their responsibilities.

“City dwellers will also have to take responsibility for protecting roads, sidewalks, parks, lakes and greenery,” he added.

He said while a substantial portion of this year’s development budget has been allocated to roads and infrastructure, technology, environmental protection and citizen amenities have also received equal attention.

“The ultimate goal of development is to make people’s lives easier. That is why we are working through an integrated approach covering roads, traffic, the environment and recreational facilities,” Abdus Salam said.