Politics
Dhaka's Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan and National Urban Policy 2025 Target Mobility and Housing Access
Dhaka residents may encounter new dedicated lanes for bicycles and rickshaws along with adjustments to building density rules under recently approved transport and urban plans.
How we reported this
The government approved the Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan in March 2025, which prioritises walking, cycling and pedestrian safety through dedicated slow-speed lanes for bicycles and rickshaws. The Cabinet also approved the National Urban Policy 2025 on January 1 2026 to set a framework for planned urban development. These measures sit alongside an amendment to Dhaka's Detailed Area Plan that doubles the Floor Area Ratio for many buildings and divides the city into 65 population-density blocks.
Transport and District Coordination Measures
A new strategic plan covering Dhaka's surrounding districts was sent to the Planning Commission in early 2026. The plan carries an estimated cost of Tk39.43 crore and covers the period from January 2026 to December 2028. The FY26 budget allocated Tk384.9 billion to the road transport and highways division, supporting ongoing construction of MRT Lines 1 and 5 along with work on a policy for electric three-wheelers.
These steps connect transport infrastructure with land-use rules that affect daily travel and housing supply in the capital. Residents who rely on bicycles, rickshaws or public transit may notice changes in lane allocation and vehicle regulations as implementation proceeds.
Local Services and Infrastructure Effects
The Detailed Area Plan changes aim to optimise land use and address housing demand by allowing higher floor area ratios within defined density blocks. This adjustment applies to many buildings across Dhaka and links directly to the National Urban Policy 2025 framework for inclusive development. The surrounding-districts plan seeks coordinated growth outside the core city area.
Implementation timelines for the district plan run from January 2026 through December 2028. Construction work on MRT Lines 1 and 5 continues under the current budget allocation. The government says the Updated Revised Strategic Transport Plan will promote pedestrian safety and non-motorised transport options for people moving through Dhaka neighbourhoods.
Further details on how the policies will roll out are expected to emerge through the Planning Commission process and city corporation reviews of building proposals.