The construction work of Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, which was supposed to begin in 2017, got underway on Saturday.
The Road, Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader said that the delayed work of the Tk 17,000 crore expressway will be completed by June 2026 without any delay
The minister made the disclosure while inaugurating the pilot piling of static load test of the expressway at Dhur area under Turag police station on Saturday.
He said, "The loan agreement for the project would be completed within the next two weeks. We have no problem with funding. Many people use it as an alternative road. We have to take care that people do not suffer here."
Addressing the officials involved in the project, Quader said, "I want to make it clear that the construction work of all the projects will be completed having transparent works. If anyone found being involved in corruption he or she will not be spared."
He also warned that strict action would be taken if any complaint was received against anyone.
The total cost of the project is Tk 16,901 crore. Of this, the Bangladesh government will give Tk 5,951 crore and the Chinese government (GTG) will give Tk 10,949 crore.
The length of this four lane expressway will be 24 kilometers. This will extended from Airport to Dhaka EPZ via Abdullahpur-Dhur-Bara Ashulia-Jirabo-Bypass. Along with this, there will be 10.84 km ramp, 2.72 km four-lane bridge and 18 km drain. The contractor for the project is China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation.
More than four million people of 30 districts will benefit from the expressway after the project is implemented. This will not only save time and money but also reduce the traffic snarl in Dhaka and the adjacent areas, according to the project proposal.
Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) information showed 340.735 acres of land will be acquired for the project. Land prices, installations, and other compensation will be borne from the government budget.
The project is consistent with the Strategic Transport Plan (2016-2035) and the Asian Highway Network. It will be vital for establishing an improved transport link to the Trans Asian Highways.
