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The long-awaited elevated expressway has opened a new horizon for road transport and communication in the country. Now export cargoes from industrial areas around the capital, including Gazipur, Ashulia and Tongi, can easily reach Chattogram and Mongla ports by using this expressway, avoiding traffic congestion in Dhaka.
Gazipur industrial area is in the northern part of the capital. Most of the ready-made garment industries are situated there. It is very difficult for the businesspeople to get their export products to the destinations, including Chattogram and Mongla ports, due to nagging traffic jam in the capital.
But their sufferings are likely to come to an end as the elevated expressway opens to traffic today (Sunday). Vehicles carrying export goods will be able to reach their destinations in less time.
Business leaders believe that the elevated expressway would contribute greatly not only to the country’s communication sector, but also to its economic development. According to them, this expressway would open new horizons for the country and take a step forward towards the vision of building a smart Bangladesh.
The elevated expressway would also help boost trade and play a big role in the country’s economic growth, they added.
Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told The Business Post that the newly launched expressway holds significant promise for their industry.
He said that even minor delays can lead to challenges in shipping their products, but the opening of this elevated expressway is a real game-changer for the ready-made garment industry. With this development, export cargoes can smoothly traverse from the airport to Farmgate, and once the entire expressway becomes operational, they anticipate even greater benefits.
He highlighted that this will not only benefit the garment industry but also give relief to their buyers. Traffic congestion has been a longstanding issue in the city, especially for buyers arriving at the airport from different countries. “The expressway is expected to provide a refreshing perspective of the city and contribute to enhancing its brand image.”
Architect Iqbal Habib told The Business Post, “The expressway is a sign of our architectural capacity. We must utilise our highest needs. It can be a great solution to traffic congestion for private cars and long haul transport. Once the expressway is fully operational, only then buses and trucks can reap the benefits of the expressway.”
However, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) has congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the government of Bangladesh on the inauguration of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway (DEE).
This marks a significant milestone as the expressway becomes the country’s first large-scale infrastructure project developed through a public-private partnership, the MCCI said in a press release on Saturday.
“By enhancing Dhaka's transportation network, DEE is poised to drive economic growth, job creation, and improved efficiency. The initial phase will open the Airport-Farmgate section,” it reads.
“We commend the government for their unwavering commitment to enhancing the nation's infrastructure and their visionary approach in bringing this project to fruition.”
The MCCI is confident that the expressway will effectively contribute to making Dhaka a more prosperous and livable megacity.
Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is progressing toward higher levels of development and prosperity, the statement read, adding, “MCCI takes an immense pride in witnessing this remarkable achievement.”
Bangladesh Bridge Authority sources said that after the implementation of the expressway, alternative roads will be created in the north-south of Dhaka. The elevated expressway will provide direct connectivity to the Hemayetpur-Kadamtali-Nimtali-Sirajdikhan-Madanganj-Dhaka-Chattogram highway-Madanpur.
According to project sources, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles and three-wheelers will not be allowed on this expressway. The maximum speed limit on the expressway is 60 kmph. The project is being built under a joint venture between Thailand-based Company Italian Thai Development Public Company Limited (51 per cent stake) and China-based Company Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group (34 per cent) and Sinohydro Corporation Limited (15 per cent).
The total cost of the project is Tk 8,940 crore, of which 27 per cent will be provided by the Bangladesh government as VGF to the investing company. The total length of the expressway is 19.73 km.
