Bangladesh faces a severe air quality crisis, with toll road development adding to the problem. Construction dust, vehicle emissions, and rising traffic volumes are worsening pollution, especially in Dhaka, where PM2.5 levels exceed both national and WHO standards. The consequences? Over 200,000 annual deaths, reduced life expectancy by 6.9 years, and economic losses of up to 17.6% of GDP.
Key Points:
- Construction Pollution: Dust, diesel fumes, and organic compounds from toll road projects contribute nearly 38% of pollution.
- Traffic Emissions: Toll roads increase vehicle use, worsening air quality despite easing congestion.
- Health Impacts: Air pollution causes over 235,000 deaths annually and significant health costs.
- Economic Losses: Air pollution costs Bangladesh billions, impacting productivity and GDP.
Solutions:
- Stricter emission standards and real-time air quality monitoring.
- Integration of public transport and green infrastructure with toll roads.
- Dust control during construction and promoting cleaner technologies.
Without immediate action, toll road expansion risks worsening an already critical air quality crisis in Bangladesh.
Enhancing Pollution Management in Bangladesh through Green Growth Policies
Current Air Quality Problems in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is grappling with a severe air quality crisis. In 2023, it was ranked as the most polluted country in the world, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 µg/m³. This figure is more than double the national standard of 35 µg/m³ and 15 times higher than the World Health Organization‘s (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. Over the past decade, Dhaka alone recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 77.1 µg/m³, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) standard by eight times. The causes of this alarming situation are varied and widespread, as explored below.
Main Air Pollutants and Their Sources
Bangladesh’s toxic air pollution stems from multiple sources, and the main culprits include particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Among these, brick kilns are a major contributor, responsible for nearly 60% of Dhaka’s PM2.5 pollution. While all brick kilns in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur districts have reportedly adopted improved technologies, only 59–71% have obtained the necessary environmental clearance from the Department of Environment.
Other contributors include emissions from vehicles, industrial operations, construction activities, and poor waste management practices. The problem intensifies during the dry season, from November to April, when temperature inversions trap pollutants closer to the ground. During this period, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations consistently exceed national standards for nearly half the year . Dhaka and the Khulna division are particularly hard-hit, with Dhaka and its surrounding districts experiencing persistent nitrogen dioxide hotspots .
These pollutants not only degrade air quality but also have far-reaching health and economic consequences.
Health and Economic Costs of Poor Air Quality
The impact of poor air quality in Bangladesh is staggering. Air pollution is the leading risk factor for death in the country, contributing to over 200,000 deaths annually. In 2021 alone, air pollution caused more than 235,000 deaths – a sharp increase from 123,000 in 2017 and 173,500 in 2019 . Exposure to particulate pollution has slashed the average life expectancy by 6.9 years, with some estimates suggesting a reduction of nearly five years .
The economic toll is equally concerning. In 2019, the costs tied to PM2.5-related mortality and illness amounted to US$26.5 billion, roughly 8.8% of Bangladesh’s GDP. Overall, environmental health risks are estimated to cost the country 17.6% of its GDP annually due to premature deaths and related illnesses. Economist Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha highlighted the financial strain on households:
"We’re witnessing one of the highest health-related out-of-pocket expenditures due to air pollution-induced diseases in Bangladesh".
Children are particularly vulnerable, with lead poisoning causing the loss of nearly 20 million IQ points annually, severely impacting cognitive development. However, reducing PM2.5 exposure could save an estimated 102,456 lives each year. Meeting the national air quality standard could lower deaths by 19%, while aligning with the WHO’s 2021 guideline might reduce fatalities by 79%.
The urgency of tackling these challenges has been emphasized by global experts. Abdoulaye Seck, the World Bank‘s Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, remarked:
"For Bangladesh, addressing environmental risks is both a development and an economic priority. We have seen around the world that when economic growth comes at the cost of the environment, it cannot sustain. But it is possible to grow cleaner and greener without growing slower".
World Bank Senior Environmental Specialist Ana Luisa Gomes Lima echoed this sentiment:
"With timely and right set of policies and actions, Bangladesh can reverse its environment degradation trend".
As toll road construction and rising traffic volumes further exacerbate pollution levels, understanding these baseline conditions is critical for crafting effective solutions.
How Toll Roads Change Traffic Patterns
Toll roads are reshaping how traffic moves across both urban hubs and rural areas in Bangladesh. While these projects aim to ease congestion and reduce travel times, they also bring about changes in traffic patterns that directly affect air quality. Here’s a closer look at how these shifts unfold.
Traffic Flow Changes Before and After Toll Roads
Dhaka’s traffic woes are a well-known challenge. With roads occupying only 7–8% of the city’s area – far below the recommended 25% – the strain on its infrastructure is immense. Over 1 million registered vehicles navigate this limited network, resulting in an average speed of just 7 km/h. Without interventions, this could drop to a snail-paced 4 km/h by 2035. The economic toll is staggering, with congestion costing Bangladesh about 2.9% of its GDP.
In Old Dhaka, the situation is even more dire. Severe gridlock has forced many businesses to relocate, as highlighted by Ashraf Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI):
"Due to travel delays caused by congestion, the older part of the capital is failing to retain its status".
This congestion also translates to significant financial losses, with working hour disruptions costing around Tk 140 crore daily.
Toll roads aim to divert traffic from these overburdened routes, offering alternative paths that support higher speeds and greater traffic volumes. For example, a study on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway during Eid-ul-Azha in 2023 revealed average speeds of 35–48 km/h before Eid and 34–49 km/h after Eid. Notably, speeds were lowest at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. before Eid, aligning with office hours, while 4 p.m. remained the slowest time post-Eid, likely due to recreational traffic. These speed variations directly influence vehicle emissions.
Connection Between Traffic Speed and Emissions
Vehicle emissions, a major contributor to air pollution, are closely tied to traffic speed. Cars that travel at steady speeds emit fewer pollutants compared to those stuck in stop-and-go conditions. Toll roads, by smoothing traffic flow, can help reduce emissions. However, this benefit can be offset by induced demand, where improved roads encourage more vehicle use.
Studies suggest that well-designed toll roads can effectively divert vehicles from congested areas, leading to lower emissions. However, traffic surges during festivals often create localized pollution hotspots. Dhaka alone generates alarming daily emissions: 42 tonnes of NOx, 39 tonnes of HC, 314 tonnes of CO, 14 tonnes of PM, and 42 tonnes of SOx. Even modest improvements in traffic flow could significantly reduce these figures.
For toll roads in Bangladesh to truly improve air quality, planners must carefully weigh the immediate benefits of reduced congestion against the potential long-term rise in vehicle usage. Combining smoother traffic flow with sustainable transport strategies will be key to achieving lasting environmental benefits.
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Air Quality Impact of Toll Road Development
The development of toll roads in Bangladesh has a noticeable impact on air quality, both during the construction phase and from the long-term increase in traffic. While construction activities create immediate pollution hotspots, the rise in traffic that follows sustains higher emissions over time.
Pollution from Construction Activities
Toll road construction significantly affects air quality, especially during the building phase. Globally, the construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, and Bangladesh’s projects contribute to this through multiple sources of pollution.
Heavy machinery and transport vehicles release harmful pollutants through fuel combustion and tyre wear. Additionally, excavation, material handling, and site preparation generate dust particles that can travel far from the construction zones, affecting nearby areas.
Research highlights the air quality challenges posed by such projects. Studies by Font et al. and Giunta et al. on road construction and motorway projects reveal how these activities consistently degrade air quality. For local residents, the impact is immediate and personal. As Scionara Shehry, a resident, shares:
"The air that touches my skin feels extremely dirty, so I use a scarf all the time to shield my hair and face from it when I’m on the roads".
Long-Term Emissions from Increased Traffic
While construction-related pollution is temporary, the long-term effects of increased traffic are harder to mitigate. Toll roads, designed to ease congestion, often lead to higher vehicle usage, which can worsen air quality, particularly in urban hubs like Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s air quality challenges are stark. In 2019, the country was ranked as the most polluted in the world, with a PM2.5 level of 83.30 μg/m³. Transportation plays a significant role in this, as seen in the 6.6-fold rise in CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2020, driven by the growing number of vehicles and fossil fuel consumption alongside economic growth.
Michael Greenstone, Director of the Energy Policy Institute, emphasizes the role of policy in addressing such issues:
"High levels of air pollution are a part of people’s lives in [South Asia], just as they were in the US, England, Japan, and other countries in the past. The last several decades have seen tremendous progress in many of these countries, but this progress did not happen by accident – it was the result of policy choices".
Weighing Benefits Against Drawbacks
Balancing the short-term pollution from construction with the long-term traffic-related emissions is critical. Research from Sragen Regency shows that toll road construction can reduce emissions by improving traffic flow and cutting congestion-related idling.
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Eases congestion on existing roads | Dust and particulate matter from construction |
| Improves vehicle speeds, reducing idling | Emissions from heavy machinery |
| Diverts traffic from urban centres | Overall increase in vehicle usage |
| Boosts fuel efficiency at steady speeds | Long-term rise in transportation emissions |
| Saves time, boosting economic activity | Health costs from air pollution exposure |
While toll roads help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, they often lead to higher overall vehicle usage, which can offset the benefits. The construction phase, though temporary, can be particularly severe in its impact. Dhaka resident Wasim Akhter reflects on the situation:
"With all the mega projects like the metro rail overhead, there is a lot of construction material everywhere … Measures must be taken more seriously".
To ensure toll road development doesn’t worsen air quality, a comprehensive approach is needed. This includes stricter emission standards, better construction practices, and integrating toll roads with public transport systems to limit the rise in private vehicle use. Given the already poor air quality in Bangladesh’s cities, these measures are essential to prevent further environmental harm.
Policy Recommendations for Better Toll Road Development
Developing toll roads in Bangladesh requires a balanced approach that considers environmental protection and public health. To address both the immediate and long-term impacts of toll road construction and increased traffic, the following strategies are essential.
Stricter Emission Standards and Monitoring
Tackling air pollution is critical for Bangladesh. In 2019, air pollution cost the country 8.3% of its GDP, resulted in over 159,000 deaths, and caused 2.5 billion illness days. Dhaka’s air quality is particularly alarming, with annual PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines by 18 times.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture. Between 25 January and 23 February 2025, Dhaka experienced 18 days with unhealthy air, 15 days with very unhealthy air, and 1 day with hazardous conditions. During this period, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 203, and PM2.5 concentrations reached 124 µg/m³.
Efforts like the World Bank’s US$290 million Bangladesh Clean Air Project aim to make a difference. By upgrading air quality monitoring systems and introducing zero-emission buses, this initiative could reduce PM2.5 emissions by 2,734 metric tonnes annually. Real-time emissions monitoring should also be implemented to track pollutants from major industries.
"Enhancing energy security and air quality are critical economic and development priorities for Bangladesh. By addressing the root causes of gas supply constraints and urban air pollution, these two projects will help Bangladesh boost economic growth, improve productivity, and create jobs."
To align with global standards, vehicle emission regulations should be updated using the COPERT 5.5 model, which incorporates Euro standards and improved fuel quality.
Combining Public Transport with Green Infrastructure
Reducing toll road impacts requires more than just stricter emission standards. Sustainable transport options, like public transit systems, can significantly cut emissions. Studies show that buses and trains emit up to two-thirds less greenhouse gases per passenger-kilometre compared to private vehicles. Electric buses, in particular, produce less than half the carbon emissions of petrol-powered cars per passenger-kilometre.
Global examples demonstrate the benefits of this approach. Bogotá has seen substantial emission reductions by integrating electric buses with green infrastructure. Similarly, Copenhagen’s 400 km of cycle paths have led to 62% of daily trips being made by bicycle, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 40,000 tonnes annually. Amsterdam, with over 800,000 bicycles in daily use and 500 km of cycle paths, enables half of all trips within the city to be made by bike.
Green infrastructure, such as vegetation barriers and green roofs, can further improve air quality by reducing pollution levels by up to 20%.
For Bangladesh, toll road projects should include dedicated bus rapid transit lanes, cycle paths, and seamless connections to existing public transport networks. The UN’s latest climate report underscores that shifting more trips to public transit is "essential" to combating climate change.
Policy Changes for Better Development
Addressing these challenges requires immediate policy action to manage pollution from both toll road construction and increased traffic.
"With timely and right set of policies and actions, Bangladesh can reverse its environment degradation trend."
Key reforms should include:
- Enforcing mandatory dust control measures at construction sites.
- Providing tax exemptions for factories adopting cleaner technologies.
- Tightening regulations on industrial emissions.
Additionally, the government should establish efficient carbon markets and expand green financing for sustainable infrastructure projects. Environmental Impact Assessments for toll road projects must include thorough air quality studies and require mitigation measures during both construction and operation. Examples include robust dust suppression systems and real-time air quality monitoring.
Regional collaboration is also vital, as air pollution knows no borders. Bangladesh should engage in cross-border dialogues and data-sharing initiatives with neighbouring countries facing similar environmental challenges.
"For Bangladesh, addressing environmental risks is both a development and an economic priority. We have seen around the world that when economic growth comes at the cost of the environment, it cannot sustain. But it is possible to grow cleaner and greener without growing slower."
The success of these initiatives depends on strict enforcement, adequate funding, and coordinated implementation. With the right measures in place, Bangladesh can expand its toll road network while protecting air quality and public health.
Conclusion: Managing Air Quality During Toll Road Expansion
Bangladesh stands at a crossroads where the need for infrastructure growth must be balanced with environmental preservation. With air pollution eating up 17.6% of the GDP and cutting life expectancy by 6.9 years, the stakes couldn’t be higher . As toll road projects expand, addressing these challenges isn’t optional – it’s essential. This calls for coordinated, immediate action.
The Bangladesh National Air Quality Management Plan (2024–2030) sets an ambitious target: bringing Dhaka’s PM2.5 levels down to 30 µg/m³ by 2030. Global examples of vehicle restriction policies demonstrate that focused interventions can significantly improve air quality. Similarly, initiatives like the World Bank Clean Air Project offer hope, with the potential for major emission reductions.
"For Bangladesh, addressing environmental risks is both a development and an economic priority… But it is possible to grow cleaner and greener without growing slower."
- Abdoulaye Seck, Country Director for Bhutan and Bangladesh
The National Action Plan for Reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is another critical tool. If fully implemented, it could cut black carbon emissions by 72% and methane emissions by 37% by 2040. These are not just numbers – they represent tangible steps toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
Sustainable transport planning is equally important. Expanding toll roads must go hand-in-hand with green infrastructure and public transport investments. The automotive industry, along with platforms like GarirNews, can play a pivotal role in educating consumers about cleaner vehicles and sustainable transport options.
The cost of inaction far outweighs the price of decisive action. Bangladesh has the opportunity to expand its toll road network while safeguarding public health and the environment.
"We are already observing and feeling the impacts of climate change. It’s happening in the form of severe cyclones, floods, droughts, and fires that will only become more extreme. Reducing the short‐lived climate pollutants with significant global warming reduction potentials is critical to slow down the climate crisis. The CCAC has solutions that countries can implement today and NDC targets to achieve our desired climate goals."
- Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh
The path forward is clear: air quality protection must become a cornerstone of every infrastructure project. The time to act is now.
FAQs
How do toll roads affect air quality in Bangladesh?
Toll roads in Bangladesh have a noticeable impact on air quality, primarily due to increased vehicle emissions from the higher traffic volumes and frequent congestion they bring. These conditions lead to a rise in particulate matter and harmful pollutants, especially from older vehicles or those in poor condition.
Moreover, the construction process for toll roads releases substantial amounts of dust and airborne particles, adding another layer to the air pollution problem. These issues worsen the already severe air quality challenges in Bangladesh, particularly in densely populated urban areas where traffic levels are at their peak.
How can Bangladesh balance toll road development with environmental protection?
Balancing toll road development with environmental protection in Bangladesh demands thoughtful planning and responsible practices. A crucial first step is conducting thorough environmental impact assessments before starting any construction. This ensures potential risks to ecosystems are identified and mitigated.
Incorporating eco-conscious technologies like energy-efficient lighting and noise-reducing barriers can make a big difference. Planting green belts along toll roads not only helps to absorb air pollutants but also supports local biodiversity. These actions reflect Bangladesh’s dedication to building infrastructure that respects and preserves its natural resources for the long term.
What are the long-term effects of air pollution from toll roads on the health and economy of Bangladesh?
Air pollution from toll roads poses severe challenges for public health and the economy in Bangladesh. Long-term exposure to polluted air is linked to serious health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart conditions, strokes, lung cancer, and other chronic illnesses. In cities like Dhaka, where pollution levels are alarmingly high, life expectancy is shortened by almost seven years.
The economic consequences are just as alarming. Air pollution costs Bangladesh approximately ৳40,000 crore each year, which accounted for about 1.89% of the GDP in 2015. These expenses stem from rising healthcare costs and productivity losses caused by premature deaths. Over time, this burden not only overwhelms the healthcare system but also slows down the country’s progress.
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