Photo : Rasheduzzaman
Dhaka Elevated Expressway stands as the government’s biggest initiative to reduce the traffic congestion within the capital city. Not only that, it is the first elevated expressway project in the country spanning a comprehensive length of 46.73 km. The inclusive connecting route of the project originates from Shahjalal International Airport and concludes at the Kutubkhali region of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The route encompasses pivotal areas such as Kuril, Banani, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Moghbazar, Kamalapur, Sayedabad, and Jatrabari.
The ongoing introduction of the Metrorail, conceived to mitigate traffic congestion, is underway; though currently operating at partial capacity, its full operation is anticipated by the following October. Along with this, the subway work in Dhaka is going to be inaugurated this month.
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway constitutes a seminal stride in the advancement of Dhaka into a contemporary metropolis. This endeavor holds the promise of expediting the transformation of the city’s communication framework. By enabling uninterrupted and swift vehicular movement, this overpass will alter the landscape along the Dhaka-Mymensingh Airport and Uttara Model Town highway eliminating the need for traffic signals.
To facilitate vehicular passage up to Farmgate along the elevated thoroughfare, toll rates have been fixed. These tolls encompass four vehicle categories: Cars, taxis, jeeps, sports utility vehicles, microbuses (under 16 seats), and light trucks (under 3 tonnes) will incur a toll of Tk 80. Medium trucks (up to 6 wheelers) will be charged Tk 320, while all types of buses (16 seats or more) will face a toll of Tk 160.
Dhaka's first elevated expressway is being built by Thailand-based conglomerate Italthai Development Public Company Limited at the cost of Tk 8,940 crore on the basis of public-private partnership (PPP). Operational management and maintenance of the expressway are entrusted to the First Dhaka Elevated Expressway, a private entity established for this purpose.
Upon completion, the expressway is projected to condense the travel time between the airport and Chattogram Road to a mere 15-20 minutes. Concurrently, it is set to alleviate congestion in Dhaka significantly. Moreover, the forthcoming completion of the 24 km Ashulia-Airport Expressway is expected to amplify connectivity between the northern and southern reaches of the country enabling efficient bypassing of the capital city.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to shape an enhanced Dhaka and a progressive Bangladesh is underscored by endeavors such as the Dhaka Elevated Expressway. It is our aspiration that the country will progress in every sector like communication.
TDM/SD
