The transport system is basically conceptualised as the conjunction of demand for vehicles with facilities and services. This system denotes the relationship between nodes, networks, and demands. The infrastructure is designed according to passengers’ welfare, safety, and requirements. The transport system is expressly associated with the flow of socioeconomic alterations and ensures public amenities. It is subjected to people’s destinations and pledged to provide safety along with transportation services. Developed countries ensure the safest public transit system as this system deals with freight, trade, export-import business, tourism, and communication.
By Syeda Sayema Naba:
According to the United Nations Human Development Report, 2020, the top 10 most developed countries are Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, Iceland, China, Germany, Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The Hong Kong metro is one of the world’s best transport systems. London has the pride of having an underground metro system named “The Tube”. It can’t but be mentioned that Paris has a top-notch transportation system. This country’s RER suburban train is connected with the Metro. In Zurich, Switzerland, classical public transport experiences can be had in plenty. Singapore’s mass rapid transit system is the fastest way to roam around the city. One of the provisos of a developed country is the proper infrastructure for public transit. As trade and commerce widely depend on transportation, it is evident that proper ornamented transit can assure development.
According to Bangladesh’s trade statistics, the exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP are 15.32%, and the imports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP are 21.44%. From the World Bank, the ratio of GDP from Bangladesh’s trade is 30.76% in 2022, 36.76% in 2019, and 38.24% in 2018. In 2019, the contribution of tourism to GDP was 4.4%. To get to the point, as a developing country, are there any changes in transportation preferences based on the current state of affairs? Surely yes. The government has taken fundamental steps related to the transport system to develop the infrastructure. The init
iative of Hatirjheel Bridge, in 2013, is an innovative step to connect multiple routes and is a transformation of a slum area into an adorable architecture. It is the second-largest and most aesthetic bridge that connects Gulshan—1 to Mahanagar R/A. Being an enchanting place for local people and tourists, it has become a significant route for travel.
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge across the Padma River connects Louhagong, Mandunshigang, Shariyatpur and Madaripur. Although it was the most challenging project for the government, it ended as a successful formation in 2022. It is anticipated that this bridge can be a resource for serving GDP by 1 to 1.2%. Also, the plan to construct a metro rail route of 129.90 km by 2030 has been accomplished. As it will be the Mass Rapid Transit Line-4, the DTCA submitted their project to inform the Reversed Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP).
The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) collapsed with Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) for this innovation. Those initiatives are enriching people’s income and GDP ratio. Gradually the transport system is developing and at the same time, the service form is transforming and digitalizing. Apps and applications are there to choose a preferred vehicle and location, which is hassle-free and safer. Than before. Uber and Pathao companies provide transportation mobility as a service. So these innovations are functioning in the Economy along with public service and also playing role in the field of development. The proper infrastructure of the transport system accelerates the development and economic issues along with local people’s lifestyles and welfare.
