Construction work of the much awaited Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway is going to get new momentum with the starting of pilot pile boring work.
Road transport and bridges Minister Obaidul Quader is scheduled to inaugurate the project’s test piling today.
With this, officials are optimistic that the work will start in full swing next month.
Bridges Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique earlier said, “The loan agreement has been approved. The deal will be signed soon. I hope the work will start in full swing next month.”
Under the project, a 24 km elevated expressway will be constructed from Dhaka Airport to Dhaka EPZ via Abdullahpur-Dhur- Ashulia-Jirabo-Baipail. The road below this expressway will be upgraded to four lanes with service lanes.
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 Expression of Interest (EOI) will be called for the implementation of the project only after the policy approval from the CCEA. Based on EOI, BBA will determine the investors of the project.
The project is expected to take four years to complete. However, work will be done quickly so that it can be completed before then. All types of logistical support are being prepared in this regard.
However, there may be problems with land acquisition in some areas. According to BBA, the land acquisition work has been going on before and is still going on. Before the commencement of the work, a campaign will be launched to evict the illegal occupants in the project area. There is no chance to give a discount to anyone.
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.
The route alignment of the proposed expressway is Hemayetpur-Nimtoli- Keraniganj-Ekuria-Janzira-Fatullah-Hajiganj Bandar-Modonpur on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.