The government’s dedication to ensuring hassle-free journeys for Eid-ul-Fitr holidaymakers has materialized through the inauguration of seven new flyovers along the Dhaka-Gazipur route. On Sunday, March 24, 2024, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader virtually inaugurated these structures as part of the Bus Rapid Transit project, marking a significant milestone in transportation development. This initiative, viewed as a gift from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to homebound passengers, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing travel efficiency and safety.
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Despite challenges faced during construction, Obaidul Quader emphasized the imminent completion of the Bus Rapid Transit project, expressing optimism about introducing bus services within the year. The project’s progress, standing at 91 percent, signals significant advancements in infrastructure.
“We hope to introduce bus services within this year. All supplementary tasks are finished, with the project’s overall progress at 91 percent. We aim to complete the remaining work by December, allowing buses to operate along the Bus Rapid Transit corridor,”
– Obaidul Quader, Road Transport and Bridges Minister
About Inaugurated Seven Flyovers
The Inaugurated seven flyovers are as follows;
- The Airport Flyover (Left Side – 323-meter long)
- The Airport Flyover (Right Side – 323-meter long)
- The Jasimuddin Flyover (180-meter long)
- The U-Turn-1 Gazipura Flyover (165-meter long)
- The U-Turn-2 Bangladesh Open University Flyover (165-meter long)
- The Gazipur Bhogra Flyover (240-meter long)
- The Gazipur Chowrasta Flyover (568-meter long)
BRT Project Implementation And Financing Overview
Following the Asian Development Bank’s preliminary feasibility study in 2011, the ECNEC approved the BRT project on Dec 1, 2012. Initially scheduled for completion in December 2016 with an estimated expenditure of approximately Tk 20.4 billion, the project experienced multiple extensions and financial adjustments, culminating in a final expenditure exceeding Tk 42.68 billion.
The primary objective of the BRT project remains the alleviation of traffic congestion along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, facilitating the movement of 25,000 passengers per hour through the operation of 100 articulated buses.
Four departments of the government are implementing the BRT project. The project is being financed by the Bangladesh government as well as ADB, AFD, and DEF. The project is being implemented by China Gezhouba Group Corporation, Jiangsu Provincial Transportation Engineering Group, and Weihai International Economic and Technical Cooperative – in collaboration with the local Cell-UDC company, which is tasked with constructing the BRT depot in Gazipur.
Project Progress Update: BRT
Among the whole project, The RHD is responsible for building a 16 km road, which includes seven flyovers, while the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) is constructing a 4.5 km flyover as part of the project. On 6 November 2022, a segment of the BRT project—the two lanes of the flyover from Tongi Fire Service in Gazipur to Uttara House Building, bound for Dhaka—was opened to traffic.
Currently, construction is underway for the BBA’s 4.5km flyover from Uttara House Building to Tongi Cherag Ali Market. Additionally, the project encompasses 113 connecting roads, 25 BRT stations, and two bus terminals located at Dhaka Airport and Shibbari, Gazipur.
Furthermore, it involves the construction of 30 underpasses for accessing bus stops and pedestrian crossings, along with 41km of high-capacity drains flanking both sides of the new road, alongside 20.5km of footpaths.
Benefits of the Dhaka-Gazipur Flyovers (Seven Flyovers)
The distance from the capital to Gazipur via road is 23 kilometers. It is easily accessible to Gazipur if there are no traffic jams. Communication with other parts of the country is also good from Gazipur. Gazipur is referred to as the gateway to North Bengal. Through this route, millions of goods and passengers travel daily. People from seven districts of greater Mymensingh and 23 districts of North Bengal travel to various parts of the country via this route. Gazipur’s importance in communication is unparalleled.
The benefits of the Dhaka-Gazipur Flyovers are mentioned below;
Reduced Traffic Congestion:
The construction of seven flyovers along the Dhaka-Gazipur route under the BRT Line-3 project promises to significantly alleviate traffic congestion. By providing dedicated lanes for buses, these flyovers will ensure a smoother flow of traffic, benefiting commuters and reducing travel time.
Improved Air Quality:
With reduced congestion comes decreased vehicle emissions, contributing to improved air quality in the region. The flyovers will facilitate better traffic management, leading to fewer idling vehicles and thus, lower pollution levels.
Enhanced Safety:
The segregation of bus lanes on the flyovers will enhance road safety for both pedestrians and motorists. With designated pathways for buses, the risk of accidents and collisions is minimized, making the commute safer for everyone.
Efficient Public Transportation:
The flyovers will bolster the Bus Rapid Transit system, providing a faster and more efficient mode of public transportation between Dhaka and Gazipur. This enhanced connectivity will encourage more people to opt for buses, reducing reliance on private vehicles.
Economic Boost:
Improved transportation infrastructure is often associated with economic growth. The reduced travel time and increased efficiency of the BRT Line-3 will stimulate economic activity along the Dhaka-Gazipur corridor, benefiting businesses and commuters alike.
Environmental Sustainability:
By promoting the use of public transportation, the flyovers contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with individual vehicle usage. This aligns with broader efforts towards greener urban development.
Quality of Life Improvement:
Ultimately, the benefits of the Dhaka-Gazipur flyovers extend beyond mere transportation. They promise to enhance the overall quality of life for residents by providing a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly mode of commuting, thereby fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.
Beyond question, the construction of these seven flyovers represents a significant step forward in the development of transportation infrastructure in Dhaka, bringing with it a multitude of benefits for both commuters and the environment. Surely, these will immensely contribute to easing traffic flow on the Dhaka-Gazipur highway.
