Mitigating Monsoon-Induced Road Waterlogging and Traffic Congestion: Evidence from Urban Bangladesh and Comparable Countries

Abstract

Urban areas of Bangladesh, particularly Dhaka and Chattogram, experience recurrent and severe road waterlogging during the monsoon season. This persistent challenge disrupts traffic flow, causes prolonged congestion, accelerates the deterioration of road infrastructure, and leads to substantial economic and social losses. Despite large-scale drainage investments, many urban roads remain vulnerable due to inadequate surface drainage, encroachment on natural waterways, and limited integration between drainage and traffic planning.

This paper proposes a conceptual, low-cost, and decentralized rainwater management and traffic-friendly drainage design aimed at mitigating road waterlogging and associated traffic congestion during monsoon periods. The proposed approach integrates roadside rainwater storage tanks, controlled surface and subsurface drainage channels, and basic traffic design considerations to ensure uninterrupted vehicular movement during heavy rainfall events. By temporarily storing excess runoff and regulating its release, the system reduces immediate surface flooding while maintaining road usability.

The study is based on a conceptual case analysis of the Gulshan-1 area in Dhaka City, selected due to its chronic monsoon waterlogging and high traffic intensity. While the design is illustrated through this localized context, the proposed framework is adaptable to other urban areas in Bangladesh and comparable monsoon-prone cities in developing countries. The paper highlights the potential of decentralized, context-sensitive drainage solutions to enhance urban mobility resilience, reduce congestion-related losses, and support sustainable urban infrastructure planning under increasing climate variability.