Summary of Key Points
This news article focuses on the traffic congestion in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and discusses how Chinese companies have contributed to alleviating this issue by participating in the construction of infrastructure projects such as overpasses, light rails, and circumferential highways. It also highlights the depth and breadth of Sino-Bangladeshi cooperation, which has expanded beyond physical infrastructure to include cultural exchanges (such as an increase in Bangladeshi students studying in China), as well as the new prospects for collaboration under the new government, reflecting the mutually beneficial partnership within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.
I. Dhaka: The "City of Three-Wheelers" with Congestion Worse than Walking
Dhaka's reputation as the world's most congested city is well-deserved—during peak hours, the average vehicle speed is only 4.5 kilometers per hour, which is slower than a person walking at about 5 kilometers per hour! The streets are crowded with three-wheelers, buses, and cars competing for space, with the constant honking of horns causing headaches. In half an hour, you might only cover a few kilometers. This congestion not only wastes people's time (leading to delays at work and reduced efficiency) but also hinders the economy (slow logistics and increased business costs) and causes severe pollution (air pollution from vehicle exhaust). As a result, the Dhaka government has been seeking solutions to this problem, providing opportunities for Chinese infrastructure companies to make a difference.
II. Chinese Infrastructure Investment: Overpasses, Light Rails, and Circumferential Highways
To address the congestion, Chinese companies have participated in three key projects:
1. Airport Overpass Expressway: Dhaka's first overpass was invested in, constructed, and operated by Shandong Highway Group from China (using a PPP model, where the company funds the construction and the government provides a 25-year operating rights). Traveling on the overpass takes only half an hour to reach the city center, which is much faster than on the ground, and the toll is just over 4 yuan, making it a cost-effective option.
2. Light Rail Line 6: Although the funding for Dhaka's first light rail line mainly came from Japanese loans, Chinese companies (China Hydropower + Thai company) were involved in the construction and are responsible for train maintenance and operations. The light rail is well-maintained, runs on time, and provides a comfortable ride without the need to breathe in exhaust fumes, relieving commuters' worries about being late for work.
3. Circumferential Highway: Dhaka's first fully enclosed highway was built by Sichuan Road & Bridge Company from China. Previously, trucks could not enter the city during the day and had to wait outside; now, they can use the circumferential highway at any time. Once completed, the journey that used to take 4-5 hours will be reduced to less than an hour, making it faster for agricultural products to reach markets and for factories to receive supplies.
III. More Than Just Faster Travel: The Benefits of Infrastructure for People's Lives and the Economy
These projects have brought tangible benefits to the people of Dhaka:
- Time Savings: Using the overpass and light rail means avoiding traffic jams, allowing people to spend more time with their families or rest.
- Improved Quality of Life: The air conditioning on the light rail provides comfort, and there's no need to breathe in polluted air.
- Economic Growth: The circumferential highway has improved logistics, reducing spoilage of agricultural products and lowering business costs for factories, thus boosting economic activity.
- Job Creation: Many local workers were employed during the construction projects, providing them with jobs and income.
IV. From Infrastructure to Cultural Connections: The "Soft Links" in Sino-Bangladeshi Cooperation
Sino-Bangladeshi cooperation extends beyond just building physical infrastructure; it also fosters cultural connections:
- Positive Perception of China: Local researchers say that Chinese companies' involvement in infrastructure projects, along with the interaction between workers and locals, has created a positive image of China as a "friendly country."
- Increase in Student Exchange: Twenty years ago, Bangladeshi students preferred to study in Europe and America; now, many choose China due to its proximity (4-5 hours by flight), affordable tuition and living costs, and high-quality education.
- Continued Cooperation under the New Government: This year, Bangladesh' new Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, visited China, and the two countries signed a joint communique agreeing to collaborate on projects such as the improvement of the Sticta River, port expansion, and economic industrial parks, deepening their partnership.
Conclusion
The traffic congestion in Dhaka has been alleviated through Chinese infrastructure investment, and Sino-Bangladeshi cooperation has evolved from focusing on physical infrastructure to encompassing cultural exchanges. This mutually beneficial collaboration truly embodies the essence of the Belt and Road Initiative.