Dhaka’s Satellite Town with a Quiet Charm
Uttara, located on the northern outskirts of Dhaka, is a well-planned satellite town, designed to offer residents a peaceful, self-sufficient environment away from the city’s chaos. As a satellite town, it serves as a suburban extension of Dhaka, offering modern infrastructure, while maintaining a tranquil and organized lifestyle. Originally envisioned in the 1980s as a retreat for middle-class families, Uttara has grown into one of the city’s most desirable residential areas.
Uttara is divided into two sections by the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway: Uttara East (Sectors 2, 4, 6, 8) and Uttara West (Sectors 1, 3, 5, 7,9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and beyond). The neighborhood is known for its cleanliness, well-maintained streets, and
Uttara is divided into two sections by the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway: Uttara East (Sectors 2, 4, 6, 8) and Uttara West (Sectors 1, 3, 5, 7,9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and beyond). The neighborhood is known for its cleanliness, well-maintained streets, and open spaces. Unlike the more congested areas of Dhaka, Uttara stands out for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a more serene living environment.
The residential landscape in Uttara reflects a mix of middle and upper-class living options. Initially, the area was planned with strict height restrictions, with buildings limited to six stories. Over time, regulations have loosened, allowing for 12-story constructions, although most of the buildings still maintain the low-rise, spacious aesthetic that Uttara is known for. Homes here range from compact 800 sq. ft. apartments to luxury 4,000 sq. ft. residences, offering a variety of choices for different family sizes and income levels.
Uttara’s strategic location offers excellent connectivity to the rest of Dhaka. The newly constructed MRT Line 6 has three stations in Uttara, allowing for a quick commute into the city without the typical traffic delays. Additionally, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, easily accessible from Uttara, further reduces travel time, making journeys within the city faster and more convenient. The nearby Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport also makes Uttara the gateway for air travel, both domestic and international.
Quiet Yet Well-Equipped While Uttara is largely a quiet and peaceful area, it is not devoid of essential facilities. The sectors are home to top-tier educational institutions such as RAJUK Uttara Model School & College, The Aga Khan School, and DPS-STS School, Scholastica School, Uttara High School and College, Mastermind School, ensuring residents have access to quality education close to home. Medical facilities are also well-established, with institutions like Uttara Adhunik Medical College & Hospital and Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Hospital providing comprehensive healthcare services.
Uttara offers a family-friendly environment with parks and playgrounds in almost every sector, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for residents. Despite its growth, Uttara has retained its organized layout, with green spaces and well-manicured parks adding to the community’s charm. The sense of community in Uttara is strong, with residents actively involved in maintaining the cleanliness and tranquility of their surroundings.
Uttara’s appeal lies in its perfect balance of peaceful living, modern infrastructure, and strong connectivity. As Dhaka’s premier satellite town, it offers a quiet, well-planned environment with all the essentials within reach, making it an ideal place to live for families seeking comfort, safety, and serenity.
City Insights:
Uttara is located in the northern part of Dhaka, spanning an area of 36.91 km², making it one of the largest planned neighborhoods in the city.
Divided into 18 sectors, each sector is managed by a dedicated sector welfare association under the umbrella of the Uttara Association.
The suburb falls under two wards (Ward 1 and Ward 51) of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and politically belongs to the Dhaka-18 constituency.
Known for its organized layout, Uttara offers clean, well-maintained roads and ample green spaces, promoting a peaceful lifestyle.
Residents have access to quality healthcare through facilities like Uttara Adhunik Medical College & Hospital and Kuwait Bangladesh Friendship Hospital.
Nearby Train stations
Uttara South Metro Station
Uttara Center Metro Station
Uttara North Metro Station
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Bangladesh Airport Railway Station
New Infrastructure
Airport Flyover
Jashimuddin Flyover
Dhaka Elevated Expressway
MRT line 6 Service
Uttara to Tongi College Gate Flyover
What Makes Uttara Great:
Uttara is a thoughtfully designed and organized satellite town, offering a clean, peaceful, and comfortable environment for its residents.
The inner areas of Uttara have a well-functioning drainage system, effectively preventing waterlogging issues even during heavy rainfall.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is conveniently located near Uttara, making travel easier for residents and visitors in the area.
Uttara combines both residential and commercial spaces, providing a balanced environment that caters to a variety of lifestyle needs and preferences.
Compared to other parts of Dhaka, Uttara is known for its abundance of green spaces, offering a refreshing environment for residents to enjoy.
High-quality educational institutions and healthcare facilities are readily available in Uttara, ensuring access to essential services.
Uttara’s roads and infrastructure are well-maintained, contributing to efficient transport and smooth day-to-day commuting.
Parks and playgrounds can be found in nearly every sector of Uttara, providing recreational spaces for families and children.
The neighborhood is family-friendly, offering a strong sense of community, which makes it an ideal place for raising a family.
Areas for Improvement:
Affordable housing is a challenge, with middle-class families often squeezing into smaller spaces to manage costs.
Commercial spaces need better planning and regulation to prevent residential apartments from being converted into office spaces.
Public transportation options in Uttara could be further enhanced to help reduce the community’s reliance on private vehicles and ease traffic congestion.
