Overloaded Roads: Time for Innovative Solutions

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Day by day, it becomes clear to every driver of a car, bus, truck, or even a motorcycle in Bahrain that the traffic situation faces a dilemma with no obvious solution. I do not blame any particular entity, but it seems we are battling a disease that is spreading throughout the nation, treating it with medications, antibiotics, chemical therapies, and radiations, without addressing the root cause or stopping its growth.

Soon, it will be difficult for residents of Bahrain to fulfill their daily needs, commute to work, or take their children to school. Recent statistics show that Bahrain imported more than 19,000 vehicles in the first half of 2024, a number that is expected to exceed 40,000 by year’s end.

The total number of imported vehicles over the past five years has surpassed 187,000. Despite the setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily reduced vehicle imports by 28% in 2020, the influx of cars returned to a “ferocious” pace, consuming asphalt and dirt like fire consumes everything in its path. These alarming figures undermine the significant efforts made by the Urban Planning Authority, the Ministry of Works, and the Traffic Management Department, which are struggling to keep pace with this frantic race.

Every time a tunnel or bridge opens in one area, congestion simply shifts to another. For instance, when the Prince Khalifa Bridge in Al-Hidd was inaugurated, it provided relief for those escaping internal road congestion. However, it has now become part of a high-traffic zone, overwhelmed by the sheer number of vehicles stopping at its entrances, midpoints, and exits.

I am aware that there are plans to address the problem of traffic congestion, but these efforts still target the symptoms rather than the underlying issue. While there are attempts to legislate measures to limit the number of cars on the roads, these proposals are often contentious, with some aspects being more acceptable and feasible than others. The problem is not solely about the number of vehicles; several other factors contribute to congestion, including work hours, weekends, and roads leading to commercial and recreational areas.

I experienced this firsthand when trying to attend the Bahrain International Airshow on its last day, only to find it nearly impossible to reach the venue due to the thousands of cars heading there, despite the location being relatively spacious with large roads. We need to think outside the box and develop revolutionary innovations that encompass several measures, creating a balanced equation to address this issue and eradicate this “disease.” There are indeed many ideas available, some of which have been implemented but require further refinement and innovation. Therefore, let us leave this matter to the creative minds of our talented youth.