Revised proposal likely to increase expenditure

The project of Chattogram Elevated Expressway is likely to see an increase of Tk63.52 crore for the construction of each kilometer.

The elevated expressway has already been granted two extensions (without changing budget) for the completion of the 16.5-km-long road.

And now the new revised proposal of the implementing body - Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) - would be on ECNEC’s discussion table today for approval.

ECNEC will sit at their fourth meeting in this current fiscal year where a total of six projects including three new projects from five ministries would be on the discussion table for approval.

CDA sought over Tk1048 crore more, 32.24 percent of the initial budget, to implement the project with another extension of two years.

The project was inaugurated in 2019 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with a budget of Tk3, 251 crore. It was supposed to end by June 2020. The new budget for the project will be Tk4298.95 crore.

When around 60 percent of the work of the elevated expressway from Lalkhan Bazar to Patenga in Chattogram was reported to have been completed, several flaws were identified in the design.

As a result, the implementing authorities (CDA) sought the time extension in February this year.

Officials of the CDA in February this year told the media that objection by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) on its security reason and traffic congestion issue by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) etc were the prime causes for delay in completing the project.

The delay in implementation and also the price hike of acquired land are the causes of the increase in expenditure of the project.

They had ensured required changes and the plan would be implemented properly.

The Planning Commission said the new budget included new median and ramps for the elevated expressway.

The reformation of the alignment of the expressway has changed the foundation, sub-structure, super-structure and design of the expressway resulting in an increase in the period of implementation and also the expenditure, the Planning Commission sources said.

Over Tk2312 crore, 71.13 percent of the initial budget, had already been spent till June 2022 and the physical progress was 75 percent, the commission informed.