BRT lanes partially open to traffic

Two lanes of the Tongi flyover under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Tongi to Uttara have been made open to the public to reduce the sufferings of the commuters.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the lanes between Tongi Station Road and the Housebuilding area towards Dhaka for traffic at around 12:15pm.

The minister said, “The 20.5km of the BRT lane includes a 4.5km flyover. The remaining 16km lane is being constructed at ground level.”

The project, being implemented by the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, also comprises a 175 metre long 10-lane Tongi Bridge.

Obaidul Quader said, “In order to reduce the suffering on the highway in Gazipur, two lanes of 2.2 kilometres of flyover towards the capital have been opened. The BRT project will possibly be fully open to traffic by next June.

He also said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate 100 bridges in three divisions on Monday. However, the premier will not undertake any new projects before the election next year.

Addressing criticisms over the project from opposition parties, the minister said mistakes can happen in such massive projects like the BRT.

“‘BNP only criticises. Jatiya Party only squeals. But what did they do? There was no visible development while BNP [was in power].”

Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Gazipur Metropolitan Police will control the traffic system of the newly opened BRT lanes.

The BRT project got government approval in 2012.