In an astonishing feat, the journey from the airport to Tejgaon, a distance that usually takes considerable time, was completed in a mere 10 minutes. It may sound unbelievable, but such experience was gained while the Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader visited the Dhaka Elevated Expressway construction with a group of journalist on Saturday. The minister has also announced that the much-awaited Dhaka Elevated Expressway, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is slated for inauguration in September. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will officially open the 12-kilometer section connecting the airport to Farmgate, fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the capital's residents. Notably, significant progress has already been made in the construction of the expressway, particularly in the Tejgaon area. The work in this section has achieved 100 percent completion, with final touches, such as road marking, bitumen application, and color coating currently underway. The overall progress of the project stands at an impressive 63.20 percent. In the first phase, covering the stretch from the airport to Banani, physical work has reached a remarkable 97.28 percent completion. This phase includes the construction of numerous elements, including 1,482 piles, 326 pile caps, 325 columns, 325 cross-beams, 3,048 eye girders, and 328 bridge decks. Moving to the second phase, which spans from Banani to Tejgaon, progress stands at 54.22 percent. Noteworthy accomplishments in this section include the completion of 1,633 piles, 323 columns, 320 cross-beams, 2,305 eye girders, 2,044 eye girders, and 233 bridge decks. The Central Control Building (CCB) work in the Kuril area has reached an impressive 91.15 percent completion. While the progress in the third phase, encompassing the Moghbazar rail crossing to the Dhaka-Chittagong highway (Kutubkhali), is currently at 5.67 percent, the overall development of the expressway promises to bring immense benefits upon its full implementation. The Dhaka Elevated Expressway, constructed through a public-private partnership, will serve as a critical transportation artery in the capital, spanning a main elevated expressway of 19.73 kilometers, inclusive of 31 ramps, resulting in a total length of 46.73 kilometers. Once operational, the expressway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in Dhaka significantly, providing smoother travel experiences and reducing both travel time and costs. The nearing completion of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway heralds a new era of improved connectivity and enhanced transportation infrastructure for Bangladesh's capital. As citizens eagerly await its inauguration in September, the project promises to be a game-changer, offering a seamless and efficient commuting experience that will positively impact the lives of residents and further fuel the nation's progress.
