Dhaka Mayor Announces New Infrastructure Policy with Staged Implementation Over Two Years

The Dhaka City Corporation and Mayor Sheikh Kamal today released a detailed timeline for the new Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Policy, targeting key urban services across the city. The policy is scheduled to roll out in phases from November 2026 through December 2028, with an emphasis on improving roads, drinking water access, and waste management systems.

Officials say this policy responds to long-standing challenges faced by Dhaka residents, including frequent traffic congestion, intermittent water supply issues, and inadequate waste disposal services. Recent surveys highlighted that over 60 percent of residents reported difficulties in accessing reliable water and clean streets, making these improvements a priority for local government.

What This Means for Dhaka Residents

Road resurfacing work will begin first in the oldest neighborhoods of Old Dhaka from November. These areas currently experience some of the worst pothole damage and traffic delays. According to the policy documents, resurfacing about 120 kilometers of major roads is projected to reduce travel times by up to 20 percent by mid-2027. Additionally, water supply upgrades will start in Uttara in January 2027, aiming to increase the current supply reliability from 65 percent to 85 percent by late 2027, according to recent feasibility studies commissioned by the city.

In terms of waste management, the new system will introduce 500 additional garbage collection points and expand recycling facilities in Mirpur by mid-2027. The government expects a 30 percent decrease in uncollected household waste within the first year of operation. These changes are planned to better serve nearly 4 million residents, reducing flooding risk caused by blocked drains and improving urban hygiene overall.

Budget Commitments and Future Steps

The 2026-27 city budget allocates 3.1 billion taka specifically to this policy rollout, with 1.4 billion designated for road and bridge repairs, 900 million for water infrastructure, and 800 million for waste management enhancements. These figures were published in the Dhaka City Corporation fiscal plan made public in June 2026. Policy analysts note the scale of investment aligns with Dhaka’s urban growth projections, expecting the city population to increase by 10 percent through 2030.

Following today’s announcement, implementation teams will begin detailed area assessments by August 2026 to finalize project schedules and community engagement sessions. Officials say residents will be notified at least two weeks in advance of any works in their neighborhoods. Full project completion is targeted for December 2028, with regular progress updates to be published on the city corporation website and through local media.

The government states the phased approach aims to minimize disruption while maximizing service improvements. Residents should prepare for short-term construction inconveniences but expect enhanced urban services and infrastructure reliability in the near future.