AN ASSESSMENT OF PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE AND WALKABILITY IN COMMERCIAL MARKET CORRIDORS OF DHAKA CITY: A CASE STUDY OF NILKHET TO SCIENCE LAB INTERSECTION
Abstract:
In Dhaka, where walking remains a primary mode of transport, pedestrian infrastructure is often overlooked in both design and policy. This study focuses on the high-footfall commercial market corridor between Nilkhet and the Science Lab Intersection, examining spatial conditions, governance issues, and pedestrian perceptions of key footpath features such as surface quality, width, safety, comfort, etc. Major concerns include vendor encroachment, inconsistent footpath dimensions, and lack of amenities, especially affecting women, children, and the elderly. A mixed-methods approach was applied, including drone survey, pedestrian flow counts, and on-site and online questionnaire surveys. Spatial data were analyzed using ArcGIS Pro, while statistical and perceptual responses were processed with Microsoft Excel. Results show that 27.85% of footpath space is encroached, reducing the effective average walkable width to 55.21%. The Quality of Service (QoS) score of 84.61 places the corridor in Grade C, indicating basic functionality but lacking comfort and safety. Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) ranges from Grades B to D in the morning and E to F during peak hours, pointing to critical congestion. The study highlights the need for integrated improvements combining design upgrades, vendor management, participatory governance, and data-informed urban planning.
Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Science)
52(1)
Editor: Professor Dr. A S M Woobaid Ullah
Associate Editor: Professor Dr. Upama Kabir
Published At: June 2026
Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Science) - Vol. 51(1) Articles
Author: Ibna Zayed Chowdhury , M. Saifur Rahman
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.001
Pages: 1-16
Author: Jannatul Naym Rasa , M. Maksudur Rahman , Mahmudul Jishan Topu
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.002
Pages: 17-34
Author: Md. Mohasin Hussain Khan
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.003
Pages: 35-44
Author: Tamanna Meheran Shemu , Subrota Kumar Saha , Md Shahriar Al Kabir , Mahmud Al Noor Tushar
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.004
Pages: 45-59
Author: Md. Marufur Rahman , Tanzim Hayat , Rabiul Awal , B. M. Rabby Hossain
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.005
Pages: 61-79
Author: Md. Robiul Awal Hossain , Md. Eilious Hosain , A. K. M. Nazrul Kabir , Md. Niamul Naser
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.006
Pages: 81-95
Author: M. Akter , M. Sajidul Islam , M. M. Shamsuzzaman , M. S. Islam
DOI: 10.64298/jasbsci.v52i.007
Pages: 97-110