RHD, not BBA to build two major tunnels

The government has taken decision to assign Roads and Highways Department (RHD) instead of Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) for the country's two important tunnel construction - one at old Dhaka airport and another under the Karnaphuli.

In a meeting at BBA conference room Tuesday, Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain disclosed the decision to speed up the tunnels' implementation process, and directed the BBA to handover all the documents including expression of interest (EOI) to the RHD.

The minister said the decision was taken to reduce pressure on BBA, as presently it has been implementing two mega projects - Padma Bridge and Dhaka Elevated Expressway (DEE). He, however, said the decision will be effective after the approval of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

BBA secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Roads and Rail secretary Mozmmel Haq Khan attended the meeting.

Officials said the RHD, with its more than 2,000 staff, now has no such costly project to implement, except Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane project, costing over Tk 23 billion. BBA, on the other hand, has been implementing Padma Bridge and DEE projects, costing around Tk 350 billion, with insufficient staff.

Tunnels in Dhaka, Ctg underway

Dhaka, Jan 11 (bdnews24.com) — The government has decided to build two tunnels -- one in Dhaka and another in Chittagong -- to ease traffic congestions in both the cities.

Communications minister Syed Abul Hossain disclosed the decision on Tuesday, after a meeting with officials of Bridges Division and Roads and Railways Division at Shetu Bhaban.

"Roads and Railways Division will construct a two-kilometre tunnel from Rokeya Sharani to Jahangir Gate while a two and a half kilometres tunnel will be built under the Karnafuli River," he said.

Abul Hossain said an action plan in this regard had been finalised and it would be sent for the prime minister's approval within days. "However, funding for the tunnels have not been finalised yet."

He hoped that the tunnels would be built within this government's tenure.

Roads and Railways Division secretary Mozammel Haque Khan, Bridges Division secretary Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Roads and Highways Division chief engineer Azizur Rahman, Bridges Division chief engineer Abdul Wadud were, among others, present at the meeting.

Private cars fill 70pc city roads
Call is for making rooms for public vehicles
Staff Correspondent
Public vehicles like bus; and cycling and walking must get priority over private vehicles to prevent perennial traffic congestion and air pollution in the capital, said environmentalists at a media briefing yesterday.

The Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) along with Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh arranged the briefing on the challenge of urban air quality and mobility management.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of CSE, said, "Use of the private cars must be restricted to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in cities like Dhaka."

Citing the findings of Buet, Anumita said walking makes 62 percent share of the daily total trips in the city, rickshaws 13 percent, buses 10 percent, three-wheelers six percent and cars only four percent.

However, private cars occupy at least 70 percent of the Dhaka road space, she added.

Increasing the present share of trips by buses to 60 percent is vital to address traffic congestion and air pollution in Dhaka, she said.

The road space must be devoted in proportion with the number of people using it, but not as a privilege to the number of cars, Anumita observed.

Use of cars in the core city area must be restricted with adequate parking charge, various tolls and taxes at a higher rate.

Introduction of the clean fuel (compressed natural gas) in the vehicles helped save 4,260 premature deaths in 2009 in Dhaka, said Anumita. But its low price has encouraged the use of private motorcars at a very nominal cost, she added.

While clean fuel like CNG should be dedicated more and more to public transportation modes, motorisation has to ensure utmost fuel efficiency.

Monoarul Islam, director general of Department of Environment, said of the 14 lakh vehicles in the city, two lakh are CNG-run.

Of the total vehicles running in Dhaka, 3.5 lakh are private cars.

Sabihuddin Ahmed, former secretary to the environment ministry, Mostafa Kamal Mojumder, editor of the New Nation, and Muhammad Jahangir, anchor of television talk-shows, among others, spoke on the occasion moderated by Quamrul Chowdhury, FEJB chairman.

Source: The Daily Star

No hawkers, beggars in Bangladesh city ahead of Cricket World Cup
By Farid Ahmed, For CNN

Dhaka, Bangladesh (CNN) -- Hundreds of hawkers and beggars, quite often seen on Dhaka's major roads and at traffic stops, will be driven out next month ahead of the Cricket World Cup scheduled to begin in mid February, officials said Wednesday.
Three South Asian nations ***-- Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka -- are jointly hosting the grand gala ICC World Cup 2011 and the opening ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on February 17.
"No hawkers will be allowed in the streets and beggars will be evicted temporarily from many parts of the city," said Bangladesh Home Minister Shara Khatun.
In Bangladesh, matches will be played in the capital of Dhaka and the southeast port city of Chittagong. Apart from six group matches, two quarterfinals will take place in Bangladesh, officials said.
Sahara Khatun, junior minister for home affairs, and other top government officials Tuesday had a meeting to ensure fail safe security for the more than a month-long cricket event.
The government is also working to give Dhaka a facelift ahead of the tournament, which will be played by 14 countries in two groups.
The countries are Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe.
Officials said the beggars would be taken to government asylums for the time being from the first week of February.
"I'm really upset. I don't know what I'll do for the living of my family in February and March," Mohammad Suman, who sells pirated copies of foreign books at one of the busiest traffic signals near the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar, told CNN on Wednesday.
The minister said that they would also recommend making February 17 a public holiday in Dhaka.
As a part of heightening security, the army would be deployed in many places, besides police and elite forces of the Rapid Action Battalion, officials said.
The Bangladesh government imposed a ban on begging amid criticism two years ago, saying they would stop the practice within five years.
According to the law, anyone caught begging in public places faces a maximum three months in jail.
But begging is still seen in almost everywhere in Dhaka **-- a city of ten million people, one third of whom are extremely poor and live in shanties.
According to the World Bank and the United Nations, 40 percent of Bangladesh's 140 million people live below the poverty level.

http://www.daily-sun.com/epaper/2011/03/10/newspaper/images/03_100.jpg

Source: The Daily Sun

ECNEC approves Maghbazar-Mouchak flyover in city

Financial Express Report

The ECNEC approved Tuesday a Taka 7.73 billion project for construction of 8.25-kilometre-long Maghbazar-Mouchak flyover to ease traffic jam, officials said.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in its meeting also approved 10 more projects involving a total cost of Tk 35.96 billion excluding the flyover.

The planning ministry officials said the government would construct the flyover with three components having 15 ramps.

The 1.805km-long component will be built from Satrasta (Tejgaon) to Syed Nazrul Islam Avenue (up to Ramna police station) via Maghbazar intersection.

The other two components are: 1.858km from New Eskaton to Rajarbagh via Maghbazar-Wireless Gate-Mouchak and 3.157km Rampura to Shantinagar via Mouchak and Malibagh intersections.

The government would invest Tk2.01 billion from its own exchequer and the remaining Tk5.72 billion will come from the Middle-Eastern donors - the Saudi government and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) fund.

Presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the meeting of the ECNEC also endorsed project for renovation of Lalmonirhat-Burimari road at cost of Tk5.59 billion aiming at boosting cross-border business in the country's impoverished northern region's land port Burimari.

A planning ministry official said the 93 kilometres Lalmonirhat-Burimari road, now in bad shape, would be upgraded to a four-lane, 36-feet width national highway by June 2013.

The government will invest Tk320 million from the domestic resources and will borrow Tk5.27 billion from the Indian US$1.0 billion state credit to build the road, scheduled to be completed by June 2013.

He said the existing 5.5 metres wide Lalmonirhat-Burimari road is now in a bad shape which affects transportation of goods through the Burimari frontier.

The ministry official said if the road is built, different goods-laden trucks and other vehicles would be able to ply frequently on the highways in a bid to facilitate business between the two neighbours.

Besides, the road link would help Bangladesh to do business with Nepal if India allows transit, he said.

The ECNEC approved nine other projects. These projects include: "increased supply of quality seed" at a cost of Tk 2.95 billion, Tk7.53 billion "sustainable rural infrastructure improvement", Tk1.20 billion "upgradation of Jatrabari-Kanchpur road to eight-lane" and Tk1.40 billion "rural infrastructure development" in the Aila-hit areas.

BRTA fails to launch online service fully
Munima Sultana

Financial Express Report

The sufferings of service-seekers of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) are yet to abate because of its failure in introducing online service fully.

Officials said BRTA introduced its online service with a target to reduce both time and cost of different services but this has not been made possible due to the mismatch of its service with the system of National Board of Revenue (NBR).

They said the BRTA service recipients still have to go to the NBR for getting clearance and make payment related to income tax returns as the revenue board is yet to introduce its online service.

"The NBR is also not ready to accept BRTA's bank-based service to help the authority get the desired information from online so that people concerned can enjoy one stop service," said a senior official.

The BRTA online service was introduced with support of some private banks in November last. The officials said as the NBR is yet to introduce the online income tax return filling system, it has caused the applicants of BRTA services to wait for long to get related information manually.

"Having an online system matched with the NBR has now become necessary as the government has assigned the BRTA to collect tax and VAT on behalf of the revenue board," the official said.

The BRTA uses the online service of the Southeast Bank, BRAC Bank and United Commercial Bank to get information about fees payment while providing different services.

The NBR officials, however, said they do not want to put burden on the tax payers to pay service charges which the private sector banks take for allowing the BRTA to use their online to know fees payment-related information.

The BRTA officials said though it is not the task of the BRTA to carry out tax-related works, its dependence on NBR has increased for the government's new directives to collect revenues on behalf of the board.

The BRTA has now to collect tax while issuing fitness to cars, jeeps and microbuses as per the rules introduced in the current fiscal year (2010-11). Apart from this, it has to deposit VAT at the rate of 15 per cent to the government exchequer alongwith the payment of charges for issuance of driving licences and route permits and provision of renewal-related services.

"It is necessary to harmonise the online systems between the two government offices; otherwise, harassment of the service-seekers would not be totally over," the officials added.

Before the introduction of the BRTA's online service, an applicant had to go to three places including the post office, banks and NBR to make different kinds of payments. This would take almost a month to get all their required services.

The NBR has introduced online tax submission system only for corporate houses including banks, insurance companies, telecom and tobacco firms and it has a target to introduce online income return filing system for all tax-payers by 2013.

Long tailbacks amid curb on rickshaw movements
Shahiduzzaman Khan

Chaotic traffic is back on the city streets again. This time, gridlocks appear to originate from an indiscriminate ban on rickshaw movement in some areas. Ironically, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) did not serve notice, prior to slapping a ban on rickshaw movement. This has created confusion among the members of the public.

According to reports, rickshaw movement has been banned on Paltan Police Box-Curzon Hall-Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) route. This has led to a severe gridlock at Gulistan point. The movement of people, belonging to lower-income group, to the DMCH by rickshaws is no more possible. Compressed natural gas (CNG)-run auto-rickshaws are rarely available. One has to walk a long way to the hospital or hire a taxi, the fare of which is too high. Due to restriction on rickshaw movement, fresh traffic mess is being witnessed at Paltan crossing, Segunbagicha, Gulistan and elsewhere in the city.

Nearly 0.4 million rickshaws that ply on the city roads are otherwise considered the biggest contributor to the traffic gridlock. There have been repeated calls for banning these altogether, and efforts have already been taken to restrict movements of rickshaws from some thoroughfares. But the hard reality remains that the rickshaws serve some very useful purposes. For those involved in this sector, it is a source of income and for those belonging to the lower-income group, it is an affordable mode of transport. Besides, it does in no way contribute to air pollution. Instead of making sustainable plans and policies on how to streamline the city's overall traffic, the authorities appear more enthusiastic about restricting its movement without considering its fallout effect.

The beautification programme, undertaken on the eve of the ICC World Cup 2011, has otherwise given the capital city a new look, but the traffic system has not been modernized, in tandem with this. The same old manual traffic system is still being practised at some strategic points as automated signals are failing to work. Even synchronisation of the automated signals, where these are working, has not been done, causing much sufferings to the commuters.

Illegal parking, violation of rules, lack of roads, and sudden rush of vehicles are among the key reasons behind the traffic tailback. Added to this, lack of transport infrastructure, poor traffic management, too little footpath and absence of separate lanes for buses are also blamed for the city's nagging traffic jam.

According to a study, traffic congestion in the capital causes a loss of about $1.68 billion a year by eating up travel time and burning of excess fuel. It also causes environmental damage and road accidents. To reduce congestion and thus economic losses, public transport systems, especially buses services, need to be improved by allocating a separate lane for passenger bus in the capital.

Presently, some 7,000 buses carry about 2.5 million commuters daily. But such buses often compete with each other, creating severe traffic management problems. The competition is fierce, as the number of bus owners is very high. A better public traffic system in Dhaka could have improved the situation significantly, if competition between bus operators would have been reduced by facilitating the merger of some bus companies.

Meanwhile, long queues at the CNG-filling stations are creating heavy congestions in the city. The government is still enforcing four-hour suspension on the operations of CNG-filling stations in order to ensure some gas supply to the fertilizer factories that remained inoperative for long, due to its supply constraints. While CNG filling stations are failing to meet the growing demand of an ever-increasing number of customers, city's petrol pumps are also witnessing a rush of vehicles that are being forced to buy oil, after failing to get compressed natural gas.

The special drive to get rid of old and dilapidated vehicles, launched ahead of the ICC World Cup 2011, ended in an utter failure. Media earlier reported seizure of a small number of old and unfit transports, following the short-lived drive. Yet more surprisingly, the drive allegedly helped a section of unscrupulous members of the law-enforcing agencies to receive speed money.

The city's traffic management had registered a slight improvement immediately after introduction of lane system on major roads in the capital and re-launching of light signals last year. But the same old situation is now back again, with reckless driving continuing on most city roads. The number of motorised vehicles in the capital increased markedly in recent years. Over 0.2 million buses, trucks, and cars now ply the city roads, while about 20,000 vehicles, on an average, are added to the existing fleet every year. The Dhaka city has only 7.0 per cent of its areas as roads network against the international standard of 25 per cent.

A series of measures will need to be taken to bring sanity on the roads. Such measures are long overdue. The widening of existing city roads and construction of new roads merit here a priority attention to enable the commuters to have three to four alternate roads to reach destinations in any given direction. Better and integrated traffic control system -- good road signs, easily visible and properly timed traffic signals, arrangements for more one-way streets etc - have also to be put in place immediately. Besides, strict enforcement of traffic regulations has to be ensured through deployment of well-trained and closely supervised traffic police.

To make a system work, it requires collective efforts, besides active encouragement to all concerned to inculcate the habit of following the rules and regulations. It does not matter how much fund the government provides and how modern a system with updated equipment, is introduced. Things will continue to be in a messy state, as long as the commuters and the authorities remain do not mean business about making the same function properly.

Source: Financial Express
szkhan@dhaka.net

9 Elevated U-loops,5 under-passes
Govt now eyes elevated U-loops, underpasses
Study shows ride from Azimpur to Gabtoli to take 15 mins
M Abul Kalam Azad



The government has undertaken a Tk 775 crore project to construct elevated U-turns and underpasses for an uninterrupted traffic flow between Azimpur and Gabtoli.
Once the project is implemented, a ride from Azimpur to Gabtoli will take only 11 minutes instead of current 78 minutes, suggested a study by Buet experts.

It will help ease congestion on the 8.5-kilometre route, where the traffic speed is now eight km per hour, it said.

Titled Bangabandhu Memorial Corridor, the scheme is now under scrutiny at the Planning Commission. After elevated expressway and metro rail, this will be the present government's third mega project to improve the city's traffic situation.
Under the plan, two elevated U-turns (or loops) will be built at now heavily congested Gabtoli Bus Terminal. The buses will enter and exit the terminal using the loops without interrupting movement of vehicles on the road.

There will be another such loop at the Mazar Road intersection for traffic heading towards Mirpur-1, 2 and 10 from Asadgate-Shyamoli direction.

Traffic from Mazar road and Mirpur-1, 2 and 10 will get an elevated U-turn at Technical intersection to move to Gabtoli or Aricha.

Another will be constructed over the Kalyanpur canal for easy exit of vehicles from Shyamoli Link Road and New Market direction and heading for Agargaon or Rokeya Sarani.

Vehicles en route to Gabtoli from Rokeya Sarani and Agargaon will use a loop near Shishumela.
Those driving from Mohammadpur, Lalmatia and Dhanmondi areas will use another loop to enter Suhrawardi Hospital or to head for Bijay Sarani and Farmgate using an underpass at the Gono Bhaban intersection.
Vehicles from Crescent Road and Bijay Sarani direction will use the underpass en route to Mohammadpur or Gabtoli-Shyamoli areas.

The traffic from Manik Mia Avenue will have to pass through a loop at Dhanmondi-27 intersection to go to Dhanmondi-27 and Lalmatia areas.

But the traffic from Dhanmondi-27 will have to cross the loop near Suhrawardi Hospital and then the underpass at Gano Bhaban intersection to go in the Farmgate-Bijay Sarani direction or to use Manik Mia Avenue.

Vehicles from New Market direction will drive through an underpass at Russel Square to go to Gabtoli or Mirpur.

Those driving from Pantha Path or Gabtoli direction will use a loop at Kalabagan for right turn to be in Dhanmondi direction.

Vehicles from Dhanmondi-2 will use another underpass at Science Laboratory intersection to reach New Market.

Two underpasses at Nilkhet intersection will ensure smooth exit of vehicles to and from Azimpur and Science Laboratory directions.

Under the plan prepared by a group of experts from Civil Engineering department, Bangladesh University of Engineer and Technology (Buet), there will be limited option of taking right turn at Science Laboratory and Nilkhet crossings.

“Vehicles from Russell Square will be allowed to take right turns through Dhanmondi-2 direction while traffic from Dhaka University or BGB Gate-3 will take right turn at the Nilkhet intersection,” said Arifur Rahman, superintendent engineer of Roads and Highways Department (Dhaka Zone) and also the project director.

Prof Moazzem Hossain of Buet's Civil Engineering department said the project is aimed at making the Azimpur-Gabtoli route signal-free.
“Presently, vehicles on the corridor are stopped at signals. And they have to wait for minutes for right turns and U-turns of other vehicles,” he told The Daily Star.

“The government considers the project a priority,” said Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain.

“We will first seek foreign fund to complete the project. If it is not available, we will go for government allocation,” he added.


Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=178925

........

Titled Bangabandhu Memorial Corridor, ............


Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=178925

There they go again! BangaBandhu something. Wouldn't it be simpler to just change the country's name to Bangabandhu? That ought to cover everything.

And these people expect them to be taken seriously. Who is there adviser-in-chief? Saparmurat Niyazov? :ohno:

Towhid bhai, at this juncture I wouldn't mind them calling every single infrastructure project something "Bangbandhu" as long as the darn thing gets completed. It is more important to have the road or bridge constructed than to worry about whose name goes on the plaque. To me it is actually a good idea to call it BB as this seems to make the project get the appropriate green lights.

Towhid bhai, at this juncture I wouldn't mind them calling every single infrastructure project something "Bangbandhu" as long as the darn thing gets completed. It is more important to have the road or bridge constructed than to worry about whose name goes on the plaque. To me it is actually a good idea to call it BB as this seems to make the project get the appropriate green lights.

Does it really? What happens if AL does not return to power?

What happens if AL does not return to power?

then they better start hiding because BNP and other opposing parties will come after them and use the country's money and authority to dissolve Awami League permanently. They will also make sure Sheik Mujibur Rahman's name is off of the text book and the constitution.

NOTE: I am NOT pro-BNP or pro-AL, I'm neutral.

Does it really?

It seems to be the case. The PM is happy when her late father's name is dangled on everything and when she is happy, the rest of the process at the very least gets no objection from the govt. Of course this is Bangladesh we are talking about, so palms will have to be greased but the first step is a crucial one.

What happens if AL does not return to power?
That's precisely why I don't care whose name they put on it but they better finish it in their term. This prevents the next govt. from abandoning the project because their "Dear Leader's" name is not on the signboard.:ohno:

Hatirjheel-Begunbari roads likely to open from Nov
But to be finished by June 2012
Helemul Alam
The much-awaited Hatirjheel-Begunbari roads are likely to be opened on a temporary basis from November.

Prof Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), who is also overseeing the technical aspects of the project, said the roads would not have the carpeting when opened but it will be finished by June 2012, as the construction work is now going swiftly.

He said land acquisition was the main reason for the delay.

According to original timeframe, land acquisition was supposed to be completed by December 2007 but it rolled till the last quarter of 2010.

A total of 299.24 acres of land have been acquired of which about 219 acres have been acquired newly while the rest belonged to different government organisations.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on October 8, 2007 approved the Tk 1473.58 crore Integrated Development of Hatirjheel Area project, which was scheduled to be completed by June 2010.

In 2008, the project was revised and its estimated cost stood at around Tk 1,481 crore.

Prof Rahman said the project deadline was extended to June 2011 last year and now a proposal to extend the deadline further to June 2012 is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

The 11 kilometres long and 60 feet wide road includes walkways, a service road and an expressway.

The two-lane single track expressway starting from the Tongi Diversion road will connect Gulshan and Pragati Sharani while the dual-carriageway Service Road the local roads, added Prof Rahman.

Six bridges would also be constructed under the project and they are expected to be ready by next February, said Prof Rahman, adding that of them, four bridges will be constructed at four points from Tongi Diversion Road to Rampura -- two connecting local roads and two linking the expressway.

Two other bridges would be constructed at the link points of Hatirjheel and Gulshan Lake, and Banani and Hatirjheel.

The project also includes revival of the Begunbari canal.

Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, Local Government Engineering Division, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa), Bangladesh Army and Buet are jointly working on the project.

Alongside road construction, the other objectives of the project are rainwater retention, flood protection and proper wastewater disposal.

Prof Rahman said the work of diversion sewer, designed to pass the industrial waste to a treatment plant, will be finished before this monsoon. Almost 60 percent of the work has already been done and the rest will be completed by December.

The digging is aimed to free the canal from toxic and solid waste so that it can be used for rainwater retention, he explained.

Liakat Ali, deputy managing director (operation and maintenance) of Wasa, said the construction of Dasher Kandi Waste Treatment Plant, another component of the project costing around Tk 485 crore, will start shortly.

Citing that Ecnec has already approved the project, he said the waste management plant for Begunbari-Hatirjheel catchments area would take three to four years to complete

Source: The Daily Star

Govt now eyes elevated U-loops, underpasses
Study shows ride from Azimpur to Gabtoli to take 15 mins

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2011/03/24/2011-03-24__f01.jpg

The government has undertaken a Tk 775 crore project to construct elevated U-turns and underpasses for an uninterrupted traffic flow between Azimpur and Gabtoli.

Once the project is implemented, a ride from Azimpur to Gabtoli will take only 11 minutes instead of current 78 minutes, suggested a study by Buet experts.

It will help ease congestion on the 8.5-kilometre route, where the traffic speed is now eight km per hour, it said.

Titled Bangabandhu Memorial Corridor, the scheme is now under scrutiny at the Planning Commission. After elevated expressway and metro rail, this will be the present government's third mega project to improve the city's traffic situation.

Under the plan, two elevated U-turns (or loops) will be built at now heavily congested Gabtoli Bus Terminal. The buses will enter and exit the terminal using the loops without interrupting movement of vehicles on the road.

There will be another such loop at the Mazar Road intersection for traffic heading towards Mirpur-1, 2 and 10 from Asadgate-Shyamoli direction.

Traffic from Mazar road and Mirpur-1, 2 and 10 will get an elevated U-turn at Technical intersection to move to Gabtoli or Aricha.

Another will be constructed over the Kalyanpur canal for easy exit of vehicles from Shyamoli Link Road and New Market direction and heading for Agargaon or Rokeya Sarani.

Vehicles en route to Gabtoli from Rokeya Sarani and Agargaon will use a loop near Shishumela.

Those driving from Mohammadpur, Lalmatia and Dhanmondi areas will use another loop to enter Suhrawardi Hospital or to head for Bijay Sarani and Farmgate using an underpass at the Gono Bhaban intersection.

Vehicles from Crescent Road and Bijay Sarani direction will use the underpass en route to Mohammadpur or Gabtoli-Shyamoli areas.

The traffic from Manik Mia Avenue will have to pass through a loop at Dhanmondi-27 intersection to go to Dhanmondi-27 and Lalmatia areas.

But the traffic from Dhanmondi-27 will have to cross the loop near Suhrawardi Hospital and then the underpass at Gano Bhaban intersection to go in the Farmgate-Bijay Sarani direction or to use Manik Mia Avenue.

Vehicles from New Market direction will drive through an underpass at Russel Square to go to Gabtoli or Mirpur.

Those driving from Pantha Path or Gabtoli direction will use a loop at Kalabagan for right turn to be in Dhanmondi direction.

Vehicles from Dhanmondi-2 will use another underpass at Science Laboratory intersection to reach New Market.

Two underpasses at Nilkhet intersection will ensure smooth exit of vehicles to and from Azimpur and Science Laboratory directions.

Under the plan prepared by a group of experts from Civil Engineering department, Bangladesh University of Engineer and Technology (Buet), there will be limited option of taking right turn at Science Laboratory and Nilkhet crossings.

“Vehicles from Russell Square will be allowed to take right turns through Dhanmondi-2 direction while traffic from Dhaka University or BGB Gate-3 will take right turn at the Nilkhet intersection,” said Arifur Rahman, superintendent engineer of Roads and Highways Department (Dhaka Zone) and also the project director.

Prof Moazzem Hossain of Buet's Civil Engineering department said the project is aimed at making the Azimpur-Gabtoli route signal-free.

“Presently, vehicles on the corridor are stopped at signals. And they have to wait for minutes for right turns and U-turns of other vehicles,” he told The Daily Star.

“The government considers the project a priority,” said Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain.

“We will first seek foreign fund to complete the project. If it is not available, we will go for government allocation,” he added.

Source: The Daily Star

Rickshaws clog city
1 lakh legal, 10 lakh illegal
Helemul Alam

Although many of the capital's main roads have been off-limits to rickshaws for many years to reduce traffic jam, the number of illegal rickshaws continues to rise alarmingly due to relaxed law enforcement.

A decade ago there were around 2.5 lakh illegal rickshaws in the capital -- which increased to around 6 lakhs a few years back. Now, Joint Commissioner (Traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Barrister Mahbubur Rahman estimates there are no less than 10 lakh illegal rickshaws and rickshaw vans.

Consequently, the city roads -- including the 22 plus roads that are off-limits to rickshaws -- are increasingly becoming clogged with rickshaws. The rickshaws are seen sporadically invading high traffic and high speed roads like Airport Road -- while the rickshaw-pullers totally defy the ban on certain roads like Pantha Path.

This is hampering traffic flow, and increasing accident risks for passengers.

Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and traffic department officials say the number of rickshaws increased especially in the last two years with patronisation from ruling party backed labour organisations.

Rickshaw garage owners, who enjoy the patronisation, also get help from a section of corrupt DCC employees who supply them with fake number plates to commission brand new rickshaws on the city roads.

Without commenting on the political patronisation, DMP Joint Commissioner Rahman said yesterday, "A strong syndicate is realising around one crore taka from this ten lakh rickshaws. This syndicate is also backing the violent protest that took place today. We are now identifying the elements of this syndicate."

On the question whether rickshaws are operating on off-limits roads due to a relaxed attitude on the part of law enforcers, he said, "From now on we will strictly enforce the off-limits rules."

DCC, that handles rickshaw licenses, did not issue a single one since 1986. Till that time, it had issued licenses for 79,554 legal rickshaws, 7,807 rickshaw-vans, 26 rickshaws for personal use, 108 rickshaw-vans for personal use, 120 push carts, and 14 horse carts.

Ever since, DCC has remained nonchalant about the rise in the number of illegal rickshaws, and issuance of new fake licenses.

These non-motorised vehicles can be operated by anyone -- irrespective of their knowledge of general traffic rules or routes. Because of comparatively high return among menial jobs, pulling rickshaws is one of the most sought after job for poor people coming to Dhaka from rural areas across the country.

Additionally a huge number of non-motorised school vans with students on board ply different off-limits city roads, especially Mirpur Road, putting the students under serious risk of accident.

Additional Executive Director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Board SM Saleh Uddin said due to a lack of control, the number of illegal rickshaws has been increasing.

He said it is tough for the government to rout out rickshaws without creating scope of alternative employment for the rickshaw-pullers, still the government gradually making the thoroughfares off-limits for rickshaws.

Saleh Uddin said the government will have to stick to around 1.5 lakh rickshaws in different pocket areas of the capital to reduce traffic congestion.

The average speed of motorised vehicles on the city roads is 20 kilometres per hour, but those are forced to run at the speed of 7 to 8 kmph due to plying of rickshaws on the roads, he said.

Md Ashiqur Rahman, superintendent engineer of DCC Traffic Engineering Division, said due to plying of rickshaws on thoroughfares, smooth traffic movement is hampered.

He said the automatic traffic signal lights cannot function properly due to rickshaws on the off-limits roads. All automatic signals are synchronised with the speed of motorised vehicles -- not with vehicles like rickshaws, he said.

Beginning from 2002, the government restricted rickshaw movement on many roads of the city including on Mirpur Road from Gabtoli to New Market; from Russel Square to Sonargaon Hotel; from Sonargaon Hotel to Moghabazar crossing; from Moghbazar to High Court crossing via Kakrail Mosque crossing; from Elephant Road to High Court crossing; from Shahbagh to Airport Road; from Ittefaq crossing to Bangabhaban; on Kamal Ataturk Avenue; from Mohakhali to Kakrail Mosque; from Golapshah Mazar to High Court via Bangabazar crossing; from Bailey Road to Minto Road; on Phoenix Road; from Shahbagh to High Court crossing; and on Abdul Gani Road.

DMP since Monday made 8 more link roads off-limits to rickshaws, which are from Malibagh to Mouchak; from Moghbazar to Bangla Motor; from Nilkhet to New Market; from Matshya Baban to Shilpakala Academy; on Khamarbari Road; from Rajmoni Cinema Hall to Rajashya Bhaban; from Moghbazar to Kamalapur; and from Doyel Chattar to High Court.

Source: The Daily Star

Mirpur-Airport Road Flyover
Work goes on, may finish by 2012
M Abul Kalam Azad


Note:Link Bridge will connect the 1.8km flyover with the 0.8km Banani Overpass
http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i327/mirzazeehan1989/bridge2.jpg



Started in January, construction work of Mirpur-Airport Road flyover over the restricted zone of Dhaka cantonment and Banani Staff Road level-crossing is progressing in full swing to meet the target of completion by October 2012.
People living in Mirpur and Pallabi areas will be immensely benefited as their travel time for airport, Banani, Gulshan and Kuril Badda will drastically lessen due to the 1.8-kilometre flyover.
If the construction continues at this pace, it will be the Awami League government's first major work to be completed by the end of next year aimed at easing traffic congestion in the capital.

However, the flyover would not be required if the military authorities lifted the restriction on civilian movement between Matikata and Zia Colony, said experts.

“The main construction work will begin in June. Meanwhile, we are doing the piling and other groundworks,” said Colonel Abu Sayed Mohammad Masud, project director (PD) of the Tk 193 crore initiative.

As per a study about 30,000 vehicles will use the flyover every day.

He said the construction of the 0.8 km Banani overpass will be completed four months ahead of the cantonment flyover.

The flyover and overpass will establish a direct east-west linkage between Mirpur and Zia Colony on the Airport Road.

Presently, the residents of Mirpur and Pallabi are to take a long detour at Bijoy Sarani to go to Airport due to the restriction on the cantonment roads.

“Once the flyover is opened, these people will cross the cantonment in just 10 minutes without any checking and move in Airport, Badda or Banani directions,” said the PD.

Similarly, people coming from the Airport and willing to go to Mirpur and Pallabi will use the flyover. They will also use the overpass and head straight towards Kakoli, avoiding the level-crossing at Banani Staff Road.

A link bridge will connect the overpass with the flyover for those who are coming from Kakoli-Mohakhali direction and willing to go to Mirpur and Pallabi. People coming from Mirpur and heading towards Banani or Kakoli have to use a U-loop just before Radisson hotel.

Once the flyover and the overpass are opened, U-turns on roads from Kakoli to Zia Colony will be stopped. The U-turns will be kept open for internal vehicular movement of the army, navy and other establishments on either side of the Airport Road.

The army's Special Works Organisation (SWO) took charge of the project in June 2010. It then engaged two contractors --Mir Akhter Hossain Ltd for constructing the flyover with Tk 90.55 crore and Abdul Monem Ltd for the overpass and the linkage bridge with Tk 71.38 crore. The cost excluded construction materials.

The Armed Forces Division is to supply the construction materials -- cement and rod -- to the firms with rest of the budget money.

Project Consultant Prof Azadur Rahman said the project will benefit the Mirpur people but vehicles will have to remain stuck at Kakoli crossing, Banani road No-11, and Chairmanbari points disrupting smooth flow of traffic.

He suggested construction of either U-loops or underpasses at the points to mitigate the problem.

Experts had earlier recommended the government construct an underground tunnel linking Jahangir Gate and Rokeya Sarani so that Agargaon and Rokeya Sarani-bound vehicles can move through it lessening the congestion in front of Prime Minister's Office.

Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain yesterday visited the construction sites and expressed satisfaction over the progress of the construction works of the flyover and the overpass.

“The entire Dhaka city will take a different look towards the end of the present government's tenure,” he said, adding that construction of three flyovers, several level-crossings and the elevated expressway will be completed within the tenure improving the overall traffic movement in the capital.

Source:http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=180014

^^
I really hope all these projects come true, cant wait to see a new Dhaka :)

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Dhrubo_Alam/Mohakhali%20Flyover/IMG_4966.jpg

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http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Dhrubo_Alam/Mohakhali%20Flyover/IMG_4981.jpg

How can a cycle climb(!?!) a FLYOVER!!?? :-P

Mohakhali Intersection

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Dhrubo_Alam/Mohakhali%20Flyover/IMG_4986.jpg

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Mohakhali Crossing

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Shiny cars!!! ;-)

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Train......

also trying to be a photographer....:nuts::nuts:

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Dhrubo_Alam/Mohakhali%20Flyover/ShotThroughtheHeart.jpg

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2011/2011_04_10/content_zoom/2011_04_10_1_4_b.jpg

Source: The Daily Star

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Source: The Daily Sun

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Source: The Daily Sun

Video showing roads in Tejgaon Industrial Area, car fire on Mohakhali Flyover, Sugarcane sales, other areas of the city:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYmZ--d_9pk

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Image Source: The Independent

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Source: The Daily Star

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2011/04/23/2011-04-23__front01.jpg

Billboards in the capital have started collapsing with the approach of the storm season while authorities are sitting on a High Court order for removing risky hoardings.

Around 90 percent billboards on roofs and 75 percent on roads in Dhaka are illegal.

Deaths and damage of property due to fall of poorly mounted billboards has been a regular phenomenon particularly during the storm season. For instance, a giant billboard collapsed on Mirpur Road near Dhanmondi Road-8 during the storm in the early hours Wednesday.

An HC bench on April 29 last year revoked an earlier stay on demolishing hazardous rooftop billboards and asked the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) and the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) to knock down all illegal billboards.

However, Rajuk has not removed a single rooftop billboard since while DCC removes a scanty number on an irregular once-a-week basis.

Rajuk Chairman Md Nurul Huda said they could not initiate the removal process due to lack of manpower.

“We will take measures once our request for more manpower is approved,” he said.

The court directed the authorities to immediately remove the unauthorised billboards on streets and roofs in the capital to save lives and property of citizens.

Two people were killed and eight others injured when a loosely mounted hoarding on Gulshan Shopping Centre at Gulshan-1 collapsed on March 15, 2009. One got crushed under a billboard near Shahjalal International Airport on May 6, 2009.

A number of illegal billboards at a filling station on Kuril Biswa Road collapsed and killed two people on June 16, 2006. Security guard Hazrat Ali also lost his life in a similar accident on Pragati Sarani.

Although there is no exact log of illegal rooftop billboards, Rajuk sources said the number is no less than 4,000.

Rajuk (Zone-1) identified 600 illegal rooftop hoardings in Dhanmondi, Lalmatia, Panthapath, Green Road, Manipuri Para and Sutrapur areas in 2007.

Till last year, the number of DCC-authorised billboards was 846 -- 294 on DCC land, 200 on private land and 352 on central reservations of roads, said DCC Chief Town Planner Sirajul Islam, adding that, the rest -- a several thousand -- are illegal.

He said, “DCC can demolish only three to eight hoarding during a drive.”

Rajuk officials said any kind of rooftop structure including billboards is a violation of Building Act.

In 2007, Rajuk issued a notice asking land owners and advertisement firms to remove all unauthorised billboards from roofs. In reply, Rafiqul Islam, president of Outdoor Advertisement Owners' Association, filed a writ petition in September that year challenging Rajuk notice and the HC stayed implementation of the notice.

The stay was extended in October and since then advertising firms went on setting up hoardings.

On Thursday, Rafiqul Islam said Rajuk should have pulled down illegal rooftop billboards and that the association has no reason to demolish any.

DCC collects tax for any existing billboard, he claimed.

Source: The Daily Star

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Source: The Daily Sun

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

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Source: The Independent

http://www.daily-sun.com/admin/news_images/210/thumbnails/image_210_43667.jpg

Work on the construction of Kuril flyover is going on in full swing. The government hopes the flyover will ease nagging traffic congestion in the capital. *Syed Zakir Hossain

Source: The Daily Sun

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thanks for the pics jason

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Source: The Daily Star

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No mercy to pavement users in Dhaka

http://www.theindependentbd.com/images/stories/2011/June/footpath.jpg

DHAKA, JUNE 26: Walking on Dhaka footpaths proves to be an adventure sport of sorts especially during the rainy season. Pedestrians have to wrestle with vendors, squeeze through parked cars and dodge open manholes, potholes or even urine-streaked stretches in their consuming attempt to stick to the pavement. Building materials kept on pavements are some botheration with the piles often blocking the entire stretch forcing people to use roads. Construction leftovers from state-run utility services that routinely occupy city footpaths in the name of development projects only aggravate this problem.
During monsoon, pedestrians often get splashed by vehicles running over roadside puddles. An unsuspecting step into a pothole under water may bring about one’s fall!
Meet Arif Atiq who on Sunday was walking along the Satmosjid Road in Dhanmondi to reach his home.
“I had to use the road, as building materials piled high on the footpath blocked my way,” he said. He eventually stepped into a pothole hidden under a pool of rainwater.
“I just got away with a sprained ankle but worse could have happened,” Atiq said.
Nafis, who lives in Elephant Road, said that during the rainy season he preferred not to walk. “At least, three real estate developers are working in my locality with their materials kept in piles on the footpath and there’s a cement mixer too,” he added caustically.
“The other day, I was forced to use the road since the footpaths were occupied and a car that ploughed through a pool of water soaked me all over,” Nafis told The Independent.
According to a study, about 23 per cent of pedestrians in Dhaka are victims of “dart outs”, which occur when a pedestrian walk on a road and either runs into or is hit by a moving vehicle.
The study, conducted by the department of urban engineering of Tokyo University (TU) in collaboration with the department of urban and regional planning (URP) of Bangladesh University and Engineering and Technology (BUET), also says another 20.2 per cent becomes victims of accidents while waiting for a bus.
The study points out that the average height of Dhaka pavements is 1.6 ft and even young people find it difficult to “climb”.
The study further says that about 95 per cent pedestrians in Dhaka city are forced to walk along the roads due to pavement encroachments. Dhaka Metropolitan City has about 2290 km of roads and the total length of footpaths is only 388 km.
Dhaka City Corporation (DCC), which provides design guidelines for pavements, has a uniform criterion for roads irrespective of their widths and importance.
For pavements of busy roads, the DCC guidelines are inadequate, the study says.
Prof Sarwar Jahan, head of the department of URP in BUET, says Dhaka dwellers have all but forgot what it feels like walking on pavements.
“Law enforcers prefer to turn a blind eye to this invasion of pavements,” he says adding, the civic body needs to have its own force, or a designated contingent of law enforcers to regularly monitor the situation.
A top DCC official told The Independent that the DCC, with help from Dhaka Metropolitan Police, had launched a massive drive against illegal occupants of city pavements.
“During the drive, we cleared most of the footpaths. However, soon after the drive things were back to the same,” he added.
“We need to raise our voice to stop this nuisance. The authorities need to ask construction companies to stop using city pavements as their warehouses,” the DCC official said. He added that these drives were not enough to clear footpaths for pedestrians.

Source: The Independent

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Another expressway to link Uttara, Savar EPZ
Govt also approves second Padma bridge project; counts on public private partnership

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2011/07/21/2011-07-21__ddd01.jpg

The government plans to build a 34-kilometre elevated expressway for quick entry and exit of vehicles to and from Dhaka, and facilitating transit trade with India, Nepal and Bhutan.

The Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway Project (DAEEP), to be implemented in Public Private Partnership (PPP), was approved yesterday at a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs at the secretariat in the capital. Finance Minister AMA Muhith chaired the meeting.

The committee also approved a project for a second Padma Bridge at Paturia-Goalanda point under a PPP framework.

The expressway will connect Hazrat Shahjahal International Airport with the National Memorial in Savar via Abdullahpur, Ashulia, the DEPZ and Chandra on the North Bengal Highway, said a report of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology that was assigned by the Bridge Division to conduct an initial study on the project.

It will be an extension of the 26-kilometre Dhaka elevated expressway linking Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Dhaka-Chittagong highway near Shanir Akhra.

The project will cost nearly $2 billion, said the Bridge Division.

The expressway will facilitate movement of transit vehicles between Bangladesh and Nepal, Bhutan and India, and smooth movement of goods-laden vehicles from Chittagong port to Dhaka EPZ and adjoining trade zones, said the Buet report submitted in June.

It will help ease traffic congestion and allow trucks to move across the capital throughout the day. Trucks are now barred from entering the capital from 8:00am to 8:00pm to avoid tailback.

The expressway will provide five gateways at Abdullahpur, Jirabo, the EPZ, Jirani and Nabinagar to enter Dhaka from adjoining national highways.

It will also have four intersections at Turag, Ashulia, Baipail and Chandra, the report said.

Once the project is completed, nearly 40 million people from 30 districts will be able to travel to and from Dhaka at lower costs and in less time.

However, Buet said a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be conducted as the project could result in a loss of lands and dislocation of industrial, commercial and residential structures.

The Bridge Division told the meeting that the prime minister has already given directives to implement the project.

It said a notice has been issued inviting tenders from investors by July 31.

SECOND PADMA BRIDGE
The Bridge Division told the committee that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already conducted a study on the bridge, and said the construction of the 6.10-kilometre bridge with a rail link would cost more than Tk 13,121crore.

The Division requested the development partners including the World Bank and China to finance the project. Since it did not get any positive response from them, the project would be implemented in PPP.

The Bridge Division said the prime minister has consented to floating tender for prospective investors for the project.

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) placed a draft of Power Purchase Agreement for buying electricity from India.

However, the committee sent the proposal back to the BPDB for further review.

The proposal would be approved by September, said the finance minister.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=195060

Another expressway to link Uttara, Savar EPZ
Govt also approves second Padma bridge project; counts on public private partnership

The government plans to build a 34-kilometre elevated expressway for quick entry and exit of vehicles to and from Dhaka, and facilitating transit trade with India, Nepal and Bhutan.

The Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway Project (DAEEP), to be implemented in Public Private Partnership (PPP), was approved yesterday at a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs at the secretariat in the capital. Finance Minister AMA Muhith chaired the meeting.

The committee also approved a project for a second Padma Bridge at Paturia-Goalanda point under a PPP framework.

The expressway will connect Hazrat Shahjahal International Airport with the National Memorial in Savar via Abdullahpur, Ashulia, the DEPZ and Chandra on the North Bengal Highway, said a report of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology that was assigned by the Bridge Division to conduct an initial study on the project.

It will be an extension of the 26-kilometre Dhaka elevated expressway linking Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Dhaka-Chittagong highway near Shanir Akhra.

The project will cost nearly $2 billion, said the Bridge Division.

The expressway will facilitate movement of transit vehicles between Bangladesh and Nepal, Bhutan and India, and smooth movement of goods-laden vehicles from Chittagong port to Dhaka EPZ and adjoining trade zones, said the Buet report submitted in June.

It will help ease traffic congestion and allow trucks to move across the capital throughout the day. Trucks are now barred from entering the capital from 8:00am to 8:00pm to avoid tailback.

The expressway will provide five gateways at Abdullahpur, Jirabo, the EPZ, Jirani and Nabinagar to enter Dhaka from adjoining national highways.

It will also have four intersections at Turag, Ashulia, Baipail and Chandra, the report said.

Once the project is completed, nearly 40 million people from 30 districts will be able to travel to and from Dhaka at lower costs and in less time.

However, Buet said a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be conducted as the project could result in a loss of lands and dislocation of industrial, commercial and residential structures.

The Bridge Division told the meeting that the prime minister has already given directives to implement the project.

It said a notice has been issued inviting tenders from investors by July 31.

SECOND PADMA BRIDGE
The Bridge Division told the committee that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already conducted a study on the bridge, and said the construction of the 6.10-kilometre bridge with a rail link would cost more than Tk 13,121crore.

The Division requested the development partners including the World Bank and China to finance the project. Since it did not get any positive response from them, the project would be implemented in PPP.

The Bridge Division said the prime minister has consented to floating tender for prospective investors for the project.

Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) placed a draft of Power Purchase Agreement for buying electricity from India.

However, the committee sent the proposal back to the BPDB for further review.

The proposal would be approved by September, said the finance minister.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=195060

I found the accompanying readers comments quite interesting and illuminating:

It would be much more useful for public if improvement is done to the BR with faster trains running between Joidevpur-Dhaka, Narayanganj-Dhaka and so on. It would cost less money than than money being spent for bridges and roads. But alas, the profit margin of some people could be less, that's why the road and bridge construction get priority! Well we were 5 times world champ in corruption.
--- Md. S I Bhuiyan

The major objective of constructing express highway should not for transit vehicles of India, Nepal, Bhutan etc. We need them to improve our transportation, avoid traffic, facilitate inter-district communications, save time, reduce annoyance of traffic jam, reduce everyday psychological torture etc etc.
--- Kamal Uddin

Govt. should first repair all roads in the capital. The whole city roads are in such bad condition that goes beyond any previous experience for the city dwellers.
--- Khan

^^ Too bad that the political leaders don't get to read these comments made online.

^^ Too bad that the political leaders don't get to read these comments made online.

True, but im sure they hear worse at times from various sources, they just dont bother, thats what makes them politicians

does dhaka still have double decker buses ?

Vehicle owners surprised at govt's unilateral decision

Kailash Sarkar
The Daily Star
Thursday, August 11, 2011

The government has made installation of global positioning system (GPS) mandatory for all motor vehicles as part of an initiative to prevent carjacking and ensure road safety.

The decision came at an inter-ministerial meeting on road safety held at the Secretariat yesterday.

“It is yet to be decided from when the decision will be enforced and which companies would be allowed to operate and monitor the system. The BRTA would make it public through a circular,” said Home Secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder after the meeting.

He said it would cost Tk 10,000 to 12,000 to install a GPS unit in any vehicle and the user will have to pay Tk 300 to 500 per month to the GPS service provider.

GPS entails an electronic device installed in a vehicle to enable the owner or a third party to track a vehicle through satellite.

“All trucks, covered vans, private cars and CNG-run auto-rickshaws must have GPS units for knowing their locations while plying,” the home secretary told The Daily Star.

A number of vehicle owners, however, opposed the government decision.

“It is I to decide whether I would use the GPS or not. The government cannot impose it on us,” said a vehicle owner requesting anonymity.

Some other owners speculated that the GPS could rather bring horrid results if any group uses the technology with an ill motive. Any criminal group can pinpoint their targets through tracking their vehicles, they observed.

Asked the home secretary said, “GPS is almost a new technology for the country and before enforcing the decision of enforcing it, measures would be taken to check its negative impacts.”

Another car user alleged that the decision of introducing GPS in vehicles might be the brain child of a sector of businessmen and some high-ups of the government, who want to earn brisk profit from the technology.

According to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), there are 15,04,897 registered vehicles in the country as of February 22 this year.

Police sources said several private companies like GrameenPhone, Banglalink, NITS Service Pvt Ltd, a sister concern of Nitol-Niloy Group, Monico Ltd, Nexdecade Technologies Ltd have already been providing GPS supports at a small scale by obtaining licenses from Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

More than 30,000 vehicles, including of different donors agencies, NGOs, corporate houses like telecom operators, banks, insurers and garment factories, have already adopted the GPS technology, said the police sources.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters has a monitoring tool by which they can trace a stolen vehicle with GPS, the sources added.

Additional Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque said, “There are always criticisms against any decision meant for the welfare of the people.”

“Every month, around 50 to 60 vehicles are stolen or hijacked in the capital. If the system is implemented, the incident of carjacking will drastically reduce,” he said.

The home secretary said all drivers and helpers have to submit their resume along with their photographs to vehicle owners.

After the meeting, Home Minister Sahara Khatun told reporters that a syndicate is involved in hijacking goods-laden trucks. “A crackdown on the syndicate will soon be launched,” she added.

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku and leaders of Trucks and Bus Owners Association were also present at the meeting.

The bus and truck owners asked for measures so that passengers are not carried in trucks while buses are not used for transportation of goods during the Eid rush.

The meeting also asked the authorities concerned to repair the damaged roads before the Eid.

http://www.thedaily
star.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=198118

does dhaka still have double decker buses ?

Yes there should be about 200 or so Ashok Leyland types running in Dhaka alone right now. More news here (http://www.automotiveworld.com/news/commercial-vehicles/87313-india-ashok-leyland-secures-us-23m-bangladeshi-order)and here (http://automotivehorizon.sulekha.com/ashok-leyland-to-supply-290-double-decker-buses-to_05_2011_postedby_jayashankar-menon).

They also have Volvo B9TL chassis double-deckers but a much smaller number (~50).

Traffic mess, overtaking on narrow highway with numerous potholes

The Daily Star
Saturday, August 13, 2011

Morshed Ali Khan

Vehicular traffic on 290-kilometre Dhaka-Chittagong highway has become so intense and chaotic that a journey between the capital and the port city could take as long as 15 hours.

The highway, the country's busiest and economically most important one, appears to have a single convoy of vehicles on both sides of it all along. Every 24 hours, over 50,000 overloaded trucks, buses, and cars move each way on this road. Added to these are thousands of other vehicles including CNG or battery-run three wheelers, tractors, rickshaw vans, nosimons and bhotbhoties (improvised local automated vehicles).

Lack of maintenance and repairs for years have created potholes and even large ditches at various places of the busy highway, causing further delays and severe damages to vehicles. At places ditches have appeared on the hard shoulders, making the road lethally dangerous for motorists.

Despite having four lanes on the highway between the capital and Daudkandi, traffic congestion on it is perennial. The remaining 192.3 km two-lane thoroughfare poses some of the most challenging problems for motorists trying to reach their destinations.

With export-import rising and the number of vehicles increasing phenomenally, the on-going project for building four lanes from Daudkandi to City Gate in Chittagong may not solve the nagging problem, road users say.

The project costing Tk 2,382.17 crore is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.

"The existing four lanes from Dhaka to Daudkandi have not solved the problem mainly due to disregard for traffic laws, operation of illegal vehicles, unplanned intersections, bazars, and encroachments," said Arifur Rahman Zillur, project director of the Four-Lane Dhaka Chittagong Highway Project.

"We can only restrict movements of slow vehicles and pedestrians on expressways, and not on a highway like this," he said. "Here we need to have trained highway police to immediately check the chaos."

Although a survey conducted in 2005 shows that up to 25,000 vehicles run each way of this road every day, the number has now risen to over 50,000 a day.

If vehicles on one lane get stranded behind a slow-moving one, it might take miles before the faster vehicles in the convoy are able to overtake it.

And the journey often becomes extremely sluggish, at times for hours, if an accident occurs or a local bazar extends its activities up to the main road. Officials said traffic jams occur regularly at Jatrabari, Shonir Akhra, Kanchpur, Gouripur, Mimshar Bazar, Choddogram, Mirershorai, Bhatiari, and Mohipal on the road.

The intensity of traffic is also taking its toll on the condition of the road. The entire length of the highway is now dangerously warped. At numerous places, for miles after miles the surface of the road is so uneven that it is extremely difficult for the most experienced motorists to retain control of their vehicles.

The biggest threat of accidents on the road arises when vehicles such as time-bound buses, cars, and micro-buses try to overtake slower vehicles, ignoring the situation. This keeps happening even on bridges with ascents that drastically slow down overloaded trucks, creating further tailbacks.

Traffic could queue up for miles if there is a blockade on the road even for 10 minutes. At some of the townships where bazars are situated on the road, this happens almost every day. Any fatality in an accident on the road could prompt locals to barricade it, worsening the traffic situation.

"No vehicle on this road can move with the same speed for more than a few seconds, because of the intensity of traffic on its entire stretch," said Moslemuddin, driver of a luxury bus company.

"Four lanes will not solve the problem," he said. "Operation of illegal vehicles and other activities obstructing normal traffic have to be stopped."

Some other drivers said the number of trucks, especially those carrying containers with export-import cargo, is so rapidly increasing that the highway needs four lanes in each direction.

Experts mentioned that the government is trying to enforce rigorous traffic rules and clamp down on smaller unauthorised vehicles on this highway. Thousands of people earn their living by driving these vehicles.

The experts said unless there are alternative arrangements for the passengers and drivers of these vehicles, it will be impossible to stop those from using the road. Attempts to do so without any alternative measure will lead to massive protests and blockade of the highway, worsening the situation, they added.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=198427

Traffic mess, overtaking on narrow highway with numerous potholes


Vehicular traffic on 290-kilometre Dhaka-Chittagong highway has become so intense and chaotic that a journey between the capital and the port city could take as long as 15 hours.


Just the thought of being on this road in about a week's time gives me the shudders. Feni trip takes 8-9 hours now although the distance is that of 3-4 hours. Three years have passed with all sorts of talk about 4-lane highways and expressways and nothing has come of it.

^^
Train is wayyy better option

^^
That's right Maruf, why not take the train?

anyone have any latest pics of the under construction flyovers and over passes in dhaka? been away from dhaka 2 months now and would love to see the progress in this time specially the kuril flyover as its very close to where i live in dhaka

cheers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtyUMjskoYA

Render of Gulistan-Jatrabari Flyover with maps and guides.

Yes there should be about 200 or so Ashok Leyland types running in Dhaka alone right now. More news here (http://www.automotiveworld.com/news/commercial-vehicles/87313-india-ashok-leyland-secures-us-23m-bangladeshi-order)and here (http://automotivehorizon.sulekha.com/ashok-leyland-to-supply-290-double-decker-buses-to_05_2011_postedby_jayashankar-menon).

They also have Volvo B9TL chassis double-deckers but a much smaller number (~50).

thanks, nice to know. on this side double deckers were removed from the roads of kolkata because of restrictions of height of walkways.

http://www.daily-sun.com/epaper/2011/09/13/newspaper/images/24_113.jpg

Bus Rapid Transit faces coordination problems

Munima Sultana

Plan to launch the city's first dedicated bus rapid transit service is facing a bumpy ride due to lack of coordination among the government agencies being tasked to implement the project.

Officials said separate feasibility studies commissioned by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank on the Dhaka-Gazipur bus service has added to the problem, leading to delays in project planning.

The BRT is one of a raft of high profile projects the government has planned to ease the capital's acute traffic congestion and rein in galloping bus fares. Other projects include a metro rail and a 26-5 kilometre elevated expressway.

Dhaka City Corporation, a wing of the local government ministry, and the Dhaka Transport Coordination Board under the communications ministry have been involved with the World Bank-funded study.

The Ministry of Forestry and Environment has also been included in the study as the BRT falls under purview of the ministry's Clean Air Sustainable Environment (CASE) project.

Feasibility study of another part of the BRT is being financed by the ADB and it involves the Agriculture Ministry and the Bridge Division of the Communications Ministry.

"We're finding it hard to coordinate among the ministries and government departments on the BRT project. It is even difficult to know who is doing which part of the jobs," said an official.

Officials said the ADB study has found alignment from Gazipur to Airport feasible for the dedicated and modern BRT, but it has now unleashed new problems of coordination.

The study has suggested that the government take control of some land of the Gazipur-based Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) to build a depot for parking the articulated buses for the service.

"But the Agriculture Ministry is silent about the issue," said an official, adding the study team also proposed that Bridge Division expand the Tongi Bridge so that the bridge has a dedicated lane for the BRT.

"It has now become necessary to hold meetings with all the stakeholders to iron out the differences. The BRT project is facing unwanted delays due to the lack of coordination among the agencies," said a project official.

Experts have said mega-city Dhaka urgently needs a dedicated BRT service for its five million commuters. Major cities in Asia such as Jakarta have introduced the service decades ago and have successfully cut congestion.

According to a government plan, BRT will have hundreds of same colour high capacity buses to transport at least 20,000 passengers an hour in a dedicated route. It would replace buses on various routes and bring discipline in the corridor.

BRT is a popular mode of mass transport in India, Indonesia, Japan, China and Canada.

http://www.theindependentdigital.com/contents/2011/2011_09_24/content_zoom/2011_09_24_3_5_b.jpg

WB bans Chinese firm for irregularities in BD project

Chinese construction conglomerate China First Metallurgical Group Co Ltd (CFMCC) has appealed against a ban on participation in World Bank projects and said its exclusion for alleged irregularities would have only a limited impact on revenues, reports Reuters.

The World Bank announced on Thursday it had banned CFMCC, a subsidiary of the China Metallurgical Group Corp (MCC), from its projects for three years because of the company's "fraudulent misconduct" in an urban transport project in Bangladesh.

In a statement published on its website (www.cfmcc.com) CFMCC said it had sent letters to the World Bank twice to seek an overturn of the decision, but to no avail.

"We continue to have reservations over the decision," CFMCC said.

It (World Bank ban) marked the latest setback for MCC, with a listed unit named Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd, in its "venturing-abroad" process following the suspension of two of its construction projects in Libya this year and allegations of graft in a Afghan mining venture.

Chinese state-owned companies are encouraged by their government to "go out" as part of China's grand plan of gaining international influence, but setbacks and misconduct allegations often accompany ambitious plans.

The World Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency, the anti-fraud unit of World Bank-financed projects, said last week that it had detected instances of irregularities in a CFMCC Bangladesh bridge project. It did not give further details.

CFMCC said the Bangladesh project, with a contractual value of $20.7 million, was won through the bidding process of the World Bank and the main construction work was completed in November 2004.

According to the company's statement, the World Bank questioned its purchase and installation of shock bearing parts on the bridge after an investigation in December. CFMCC said it purchased the equipment from TechStar, a US company, and the installation process was conducted under professional advice.

CFMCC also played down the financial impact of the World Bank decision, saying income generated from overseas projects only accounted for 6.5 percent of its total revenues in the last three years, and the Bangladesh bridge was the only World Bank project it had taken in the last decade.

However, the company added that it would "take a lesson from this and take immediate actions to seriously review overseas project management processes, step up controls and regulate management behaviour".

MCC has come under scrutiny in 2008 over its $4.4 billion Aynak copper mine in Afghanistan and was accused of paying up to $30 million in bribes to the Minister of Mines and Industries to win the contract. The ministry denied the allegations.

Source: Financial Express

WB bans Chinese firm for irregularities in BD project

Chinese construction conglomerate China First Metallurgical Group Co Ltd (CFMCC) has appealed against a ban on participation in World Bank projects and said its exclusion for alleged irregularities would have only a limited impact on revenues, reports Reuters.

The World Bank announced on Thursday it had banned CFMCC, a subsidiary of the China Metallurgical Group Corp (MCC), from its projects for three years because of the company's "fraudulent misconduct" in an urban transport project in Bangladesh.

In a statement published on its website (www.cfmcc.com) CFMCC said it had sent letters to the World Bank twice to seek an overturn of the decision, but to no avail.

"We continue to have reservations over the decision," CFMCC said.

It (World Bank ban) marked the latest setback for MCC, with a listed unit named Metallurgical Corp of China Ltd, in its "venturing-abroad" process following the suspension of two of its construction projects in Libya this year and allegations of graft in a Afghan mining venture.

Chinese state-owned companies are encouraged by their government to "go out" as part of China's grand plan of gaining international influence, but setbacks and misconduct allegations often accompany ambitious plans.

The World Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency, the anti-fraud unit of World Bank-financed projects, said last week that it had detected instances of irregularities in a CFMCC Bangladesh bridge project. It did not give further details.

CFMCC said the Bangladesh project, with a contractual value of $20.7 million, was won through the bidding process of the World Bank and the main construction work was completed in November 2004.

According to the company's statement, the World Bank questioned its purchase and installation of shock bearing parts on the bridge after an investigation in December. CFMCC said it purchased the equipment from TechStar, a US company, and the installation process was conducted under professional advice.

CFMCC also played down the financial impact of the World Bank decision, saying income generated from overseas projects only accounted for 6.5 percent of its total revenues in the last three years, and the Bangladesh bridge was the only World Bank project it had taken in the last decade.

However, the company added that it would "take a lesson from this and take immediate actions to seriously review overseas project management processes, step up controls and regulate management behaviour".

MCC has come under scrutiny in 2008 over its $4.4 billion Aynak copper mine in Afghanistan and was accused of paying up to $30 million in bribes to the Minister of Mines and Industries to win the contract. The ministry denied the allegations.

Source: Financial Express

These guys pay bribes to get work in Third world countries. Now imagine my surprise :)

By the way -- "purchase and installation of shock bearing parts on the bridge" smells like Mahakhali flyover. Seen that story before.

http://www.theindependentdigital.com/contents/2011/2011_09_24/content_zoom/2011_09_24_3_5_b.jpg

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Foot over-bridges are being constructed at the following intersections in Dhaka:

Mohakhali Rasulbag South Crossing
Uttar Badda Bazar
Rajuk Uttara Model College
Motijheel Government High School
East Side of Curzon Hall
Banani Rd #11 at Old Airport Road
In front of Mirpur Thana
and
Shapla Circle, Motijheel

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2011/2011_12_06/content_zoom/2011_12_06_5_1_b.jpg

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2011/2011_12_09/content_zoom/2011_12_09_5_3_b.jpg

Dangerous road paving in Banani

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ-EBfQW3NY

Driving in Gulshan-2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYJF2g2zLos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60smuujWWIk&feature=related

Hatirjheel-Begunbari road yet to see light of the day

Dhaka, Dec 30: Opening of the much-awaited Hatirjheel-Begunbari road is likely to be delayed due to recent problems over land acquisition. Although land acquisition for the project was supposed to be completed by December 2007, the process rolled till the last quarter of 2010. Land owners had filed 80 writ petitions in the High Court against such acquisition, as they wanted back their houses and proposed changes in the project plan. Some of them also claimed that they had been deprived of proper compensation. On June 24, 2009, the government, under a separate project, promised to construct multi-storey structures adjacent to the Begunbari-Hatirjheel canal to accommodate the people affected by the Hatirjheel project.
State minister for housing, Abdul Mannan Khan, said that the structure would be constructed on khas land. However, since then, the authorities concerned have shown little initiative in this regard.
Meanwhile, some land-owners have illegally set up a number of tin-shade huts at the north side of Rampura Bridge inside the project site. A joint force, comprising army personnel and Rajuk employees, on Wednesday demolished some of those huts.
Owners of the demolished timber shops, including Banarupa timber, Comilla timber, Juthi timber and Jalal tiles, claimed that the joint force had defied a court order to demolish the shops.
“On Tuesday night, I was told that my shop would not be demolished unless I get the compensation. But, on Wednesday morning, my shop was razed to the ground”, said Abdul Ohab, owner of Juthi timber.
Magistrate Rokonuddoula, who led the the task force, told The Independent that the owners had not been able to produce any legal document. “It is not true that they were not granted time to remove the structures. They were given seven days court order before Wednesday,” he said.
He also said that the task force had only demolished the structures, to which eviction notices were served. “We didn’t touch other properties,” he added.
According to RAJUK, 299.24 acres have been acquired, so far, for the project.
RAJUK documents show that the 1480.98 crore project--“Integrated development of Hatirjheel area including Begunbari khal”-- is scheduled to be completed by June 2012. The Hatirjhil-Begunbari road would be constructed under this project. Raihanul Ferdous, project director, said the project would not be completed before 2013, owing to land acquisition problems.
“A part of the road, on the southern side, would be opened by June 2012. However, the stretch would not have any carpeting upon its opening,” he added.
The 9.8 km road will connect Rampura with the Tongi Diversion road, both on the west and east side of the project that includes one expressway, a serviceable road and a walkway. The project covers 300 acres of low-lying land, in and around the Airport road, near Sonargaon Hotel to Rampura Bridge.

Source: The Independent

'Expressway, metro rail no solution'

Mega projects like flyover, elevated expressway and metro rail are unlikely to help ease Dhaka City's worsening traffic jam, according to experts, reports UNB.
"The government should take projects keeping in mind the land use pattern of the city. It has to consider how people travel in the city. About 38 percent of trips take place by rickshaws, 28 percent by buses and 20 percent on foot," president of Bangladesh Institute of Planners Prof Dr Sarwar Jahan told UNB.
He said some 1.75 lakh trips take place in the city every day with little long-distance travel. The city dwellers usually take short trips within one to two kilometres.
"The elevated expressway, as planned, won't help these commuters. If they travel through expressway, they won't be able to get down from vehicles at their desired destinations. So, the travellers will have to go for long-distance trips if they want use that," he said.
About the ongoing metro rail project, Dr Sarwar Jahan said, "This is an unfeasible project. The government will have to provide huge subsidy to keep it operational. The city dwellers will have to pay excess fare to travel by the metro rail."
He went on: "If the government doesn't provide subsidy, commuters will lose their interest to travel by metro rail due to excess fare. The more the people will travel by metro rail, the more the government will have to provide subsidy, and finally it'll be compelled to stop the service."
Sarwar Jahan said the metro rail cannot handle so many passengers. "The planned 10-20km such rail cannot resolve the traffic congestion in the city. We need a longer route, but underground one."
Dr Sarwar Jahan, also the chairman of Urban and Regional Planning Department at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), said this is an ambitious project given the present state of the country's economy. "Our economy doesn't permit such metro rail.
Now the question is: why is the government going for implementing such an ambitious project?"
He said Dhaka City's traffic jam cannot be resolved overnight. "No single idea can give the city a better look. So, we need a multidimensional approach. If a strong city government can be created that may be able to take steps as the army has done in Dhaka Cantonment area."
Dr Sarwar Jahan said the traffic jam can be eased by introducing mass transportation system. "Mass transit facilities should connect all the major parts of the city. If the government introduces the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the city, the traffic congestion could be minimised," he said.
About disadvantage of the elevated expressway, international transport expert Dr Mahabubul Bari said the elevated expressway will create many 'disadvantages' for the city commuters because it will promote private cars.
"The elevated expressway to generate their own traffic diverted from other roads; increases trip lengths; favour only a very small minority of people driving cars, often simply shift congestion from one point to another in the network; result in increases in noise, pollution, congestion, and fuel consumption; and reduce accessibility for pedestrians and other sustainable modes of transport," he added.
Referring to the comments of ex-Bogota mayor, he said the former mayor of Bogotá Enrique Penalosa rightly remarked that - 'There are two ways to destroy a city. One is through nuclear bombing, and the other is with elevated roads'.
Dr Mahabubul Bari, a transport adviser to the government of Uganda, said many cities in the world have constructed multi-level elevated expressways, but still could not reduce their congestion level.
"So, they've started demolishing them. Notable among them are Seoul in South Korea, San Francisco in the USA and Tokyo in Japan."
The proposed 26-lm elevated expressway is very close to the existing rail lines, starting from the Shahjalal International Airport and it will pass through Mohakhali, Moghbazar, Khilgaon and end at Kutupkhali of Jatrabari.
If the government constructs the elevated expressway, it will not be possible to implement the proposed 3rd and 4th rail lines between Kamlapur and Tongi, said Dr Bari.
To ensure sustainable transport development in the city, he suggested imposing restriction on private cars, development of standard bus schedule, separate lanes, giving priority for cyclists, rickshaws at intersections, keeping bike and rickshaw lanes clear from obstructions, trash and parked cars; bike and rickshaw parking facilities; development of commuting, intercity and circular rail network, giving more priority to railway over roads.
Dr Bari also suggested control of car parking and maintaining the integrated demand and supply management, which refer to be increased the public transport facility, keeping pace with restriction on private cars.
The government approved Dhaka Elevated Expressway (SDEE) PPP Project involving a cost of Tk 3,127 crore in October 2011.

Source: News Today

Government revives Jatrabari-Kachpur 8-lane road project
2011-12-20

Staff Correspondent

The communication ministry on Tuesday decided to revive a project for upgrading Jatrabari-Kachpur road to eight lanes from the existing four lanes despite financial constraints.

Newly appointed communication minister Obaidul Quader directed the Roads and Highways Department to invite tender for selecting a contractor, said the ministry officials.

The RHD had conceived the project in 2009 and placed it to the planning commission with financial requirement of Tk 1.73 billion to improve the seven kilometre approach road on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway to accommodate growing number of traffic.

The project did not get approval of the planning commission in early January, 2010.

However, the project was approved recently and included under the current fiscal year’s annual development programme.

The communication ministry officials said the newly appointed minister has been assured of financial assistance by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina which has prompted Obaidul Quader to direct the RHD officials for inviting tender.

They said the ministry has demanded an additional Tk 500 million in the revised ADP of the current fiscal.

The communication ministry officials pointed out that eight lanes would help to ease traffic congestion in and around Sayedabad-Jatrabari area.

Hundreds of vehicles coming to and from Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet areas remain stranded in the area due to pressure of traffic pouring through Kanchpur bridge over river Shitalakhya.

It is expected that the number of traffic would increase further with the commissioning of the Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover which is halfway through construction.

http://newagebd.com/newspaper1/archive_details.php?arcid=44099

Another year for Kuril flyover
25 December 16-22

Work on the Kuril flyover is progressing and it is expected to be completed within the next year. This flyover will bring relief to commuters from Uttara, Khilkhet, Gulshan, Banani and Rampura. It is also good news for Purbachal. In fact, the flyover was made, taking Uttara and Purbachal into consideration.

Work on the flyover began in April 2010 and is scheduled to finish in December 2012. Engineer Munirul Huq, Project Manager of the Kuril flyover, says that 30% of the work has been completed so far.

The total budget for the Kuril flyover is 154 crore taka (1.54 billion taka). It is being constructed with RAJUK’s own funding. Usually the Roads and Highways Department or LGED takes up such projects, but this is an exception. Engineer Munirul Huq explains, “RAJUK developed the Uttara township and is also developing the Purbachal township. This flyover is being made with the residents of these areas in mind.”

He adds, “Of course, the flyover will benefit all the city dwellers. There will be no jams at the railway crossings and adjacent areas.”

He says, “The flyover will have four loops. The first will be Y-shaped and will start from Rampura’s Progoti CNG station, go up to Kuril and come down at Banani. The second loop will be U-shaped and will start from Banani and come down at Kuril. The third loop will also be U-shaped and will start at Khilkhet, and come down at Uttara. The fourth loop will be Y-shaped and will start from Uttara, go to Kuril and come down at Purbachal.”

“Kuril will be the centre point of the flyover,” the engineer explains, “and from this point the internal road network will be constructed afresh.”

http://www.probenewsmagazine.com/index.php?index=2&contentId=7618

Construction work of Kuril Flyover
http://www.daily-sun.com/admin/news_images/441/image_441_91458.jpg

Kuril flyover to be ready by December

http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_03-01-2012_kuril-flyover-to-be-ready-by-dec_441_1_2_1_1.html

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_01_05/content_zoom/2012_01_05_3_0_b.jpg

Source: Daily Star

^^ That's awesome! Is there any reason they use crushed bricks instead of rocks on the road?

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_01_05/content_zoom/2012_01_05_20_2_b.jpg

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_01_05/content_zoom/2012_01_05_20_3_b.jpg

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_01_05/content_zoom/2012_01_05_7_9_b.jpg

Source: The Daily Star

^^ That's awesome! Is there any reason they use crushed bricks instead of rocks on the road?

I had asked this precise question to an engineer in Bangladesh and his response was that being a delta devoid of mountains, Bangladesh sorely lacks in rocks except for a small amount in the Sylhet region. On the other hand, we have a lot of clay that is used in the numerous brick kilns to churn out millions of red bricks which are then crushed for use in building purposes as well on road construction.

^^ That makes sense. Thanks Maruf Bhai!

by Shameem_Bakhshi

Kuril Flyover- construction in progress

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/60808148.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/60808167.jpg

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2012/2012_01_05/content_zoom/2012_01_05_3_0_b.jpg

Source: Daily Star


thanks any more new pic about this project ?

BRT service possible from 2014
Say experts

Friday, January 13, 2012

Experts have primarily estimated costs at $183 million for the introduction of faster and seamless bus service, otherwise called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), between Uttara and Sadarghat in the city.

They said public transportation on BRT route can be started from early 2014 if the difficulties emerged in restructuring the 22 kilometers of alignment are resolved soon.

“Local and international experts are working to overcome the bottlenecks regarding restructuring the alignment and traffic management”, said Dr Salehuddin, executive director, Dhaka Transport Coordination Board.

The experts were speaking at a seminar at Sonargaon Hotel yesterday, on the inception report on the BRT Line-3, which was outlined in the government's Strategic Transport Plan.

Dr Salehuddin said a group of international consultants, who have already done the pre-feasibility study on the alignment, will prepare a draft final report by March this year.

“We hope the detail design would be ready by the end of 2012”, he said and added, “Since the BRT route will be built on the existing road, it will not take them much time to complete”.

In the mass transport system (BRT), long-bodied buses pass seamlessly on designated routes, quickly reducing the volume of waiting passengers. A study says 25,000 people can be transported during peak hours.

Arnest J Mata of Advanced Logistic Group, who is a World Bank consultant of the BRT Line-3 project, said they were working out all the problems on the alignment.

The under-construction elevated expressway, Banani overpass, Kuril, Cantonment, Moghbazar-Mouchak, Mohakhali and Gulistan flyovers, Hatirjhel project, and the proposed metro rail are the main hurdles.

The alignment is very narrow at different points while numerous intersections and several rail crossings are the other bottlenecks to be solved before finalising the alignment and preparing a design.

The BRT Line-3 will pass through Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Moghbazar and Kakrail. From Kakrail, the route will branch off into two directions--one through Rajarbagh, DIT extension road, Bangabhaban, Kaptanbazar, and Baldha Garden and the other through Matsya Bhaban, Abdul Ghani Road, Golap Shah Mazar, and North South Road--to merge at Babu Bazar to finally reach Sadarghat.

The BRT line has an extended part, which stretches from Uttara to Gazipur. The 20 kilometers of alignment has made significant progress as the Asian Development Bank has nearly completed the detail design after doing feasibility study last year. It is expected to be complete by the next year.

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader, WB Country Director Elein Goldstein, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Prof Alamgir Mojibul Hoque, Communications Secretary MAN Siddique, Environment and Forests Secretary Meshbaul Hoque, and another consultant of the project A Peres also addressed the function.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=218199

Govt sincere about easing traffic snarl: Obaidul

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday said the government is working sincerely in implementing several initiatives with a view to easing traffic congestion in the capital, reports UNB.
"The government is trying to limit traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and improve safety measures, complying with recommendations of the Strategic Transport Plan (STP) by promoting sustainable mass transport system," he told the inaugural session of a workshop at Sonargan Hotel here in the morning.
Clean Air Sustainable Environment (CASE) Project of Dhaka Transport Corridor Board under the Department of Environment (DoE) organised the workshop on the study of Dhaka city bus network.
Chaired by executive director of Dhaka Transport Corridor Board Dr SM Salehuddin, the inaugural session of the workshop was addressed, among others, by Roads Division secretary MAN Siddique, Environment and Forests secretary Misbah ul Alam and World Bank country director Ellen Goldstein.
Speaking as the chief guest, Obaidul Quader said traffic jam has become a very common feature
in the capital, causing immense miseries to the city dwellers with consequent adverse impacts on livelihood.
For connectivity to the urban fringes, development of metro rail, A-grade mass rapid transit system, nationwide connecting roads and new flyovers are being planned and implemented on priority basis to resolve the overall transportation problem in the city, he said.
The Communications Minister said: "You know, I've taken over the ministry and people's expectation from my ministry is enormous. I've less than two years to tackle many demands for a better and sustainable transportation system in the capital, and of course, throughout the country too."
He said the government has a commitment to make the `Vision 2021' a success and ease traffic congestion in the city.
"To make our vision successful and to make the Dhaka city free from traffic congestion, we've started construction of several transport structures and constituted ways to start mass rapid transit (MRT) system in Dhaka."
Obaidul Quader urged the experts and development partners to provide their new and innovative ideas to help the government cut traffic congestion in Dhaka city.
Traffic engineer and project director of CASE Project M Anisur Rahman made a power-point presentation at the workshop.

Source: The News Today

BRT service possible from 2014
Say experts

Friday, January 13, 2012

snip ---- Arnest J Mata of Advanced Logistic Group, who is a World Bank consultant of the BRT Line-3 project, said they were working out all the problems on the alignment. ---snip....

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=218199

The World Bank this time around got a proper consultant. ALG is well known in the urban mobility field especially BRT. BRT will save a 'busload' (no pun) of money compared to subways. BRT needs to get implemented first before there is further development of road infrastructure that hampers it.

Subway can alleviate additional commuter load after the fact.

http://www.alg-global.com/urban_mobility3_eng.htm

Uttara-Sadarghat corridor found feasible for another bus lane
January 13 2012

Foreign consultants have found Uttara to Sadarghat corridor feasible for setting up another dedicated city bus lane but indicated a challenge to overcome 12 obstructions for installing the two-lane road with modern articulated buses.

Spanish company Advanced Logistic Group shared its study findings during a workshop in the city on Thursday showing that the dedicated bus lane known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will have 26 stations with a space of approximately 500 to 100 metres.

The workshop on BRT and Corridor Restructuring Implementation Study and Preliminary Design was organised by Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB) and Environment and Forest Ministry on Thursday.

Access to the stations of the 22- kilometre road will have three depots at Airport, Mohakhali and Keraniganj. The BRT will use two central lanes for its up and down movements and would be physically segregated from other lanes.

Sharing the study, the consultants sought cooperation and coordination from all the stakeholders, Bangladesh Army and the ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD), for the improved transport services.

They said they have brought some changes in the initial BRT plan as the corridor cannot be directly connected with the country's prime launch terminal for not having enough space.

They informed that the corridor will take right turn from Nayabazar area to Keraniganj to connect mini towns close to the city. "There will be connecting roads from where small- sized buses will take the BRT passengers to Sadarghat," traffic engineer and project director Anisur Rahman said.

Showing a power-point presentation, he said the overpopulated city will enjoy improved transport facilities through implementation of the scheme.

He said the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) project, at an initial estimated cost of $183 million, will eliminate ugly competition and dangerous driving pattern of the operators, increase transport coverage and improve service quality.

The feasibility study of the ADB-funded 20-km-long Gazipur-Airport BRT has already been finished and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, he said, adding that every day 0.1 million commuters will be able to avail BRT, once built. It will also bring down the uses of private cars.

Speaking as chief guest, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said the government is giving priority in implementing several initiatives in line with the Strategic Transport Plan (STP) to reduce traffic congestion in the densely-populated city.

For connectivity to the urban fringes, development of metro rail, A-grade mass rapid transit system, nationwide connecting roads and new flyovers are being planned and implemented on priority basis to resolve the overall transportation problem in the city, he said.

The communications minister also urged World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other development partners to share new ideas and innovations to make the city lovely and clean.

World Bank (WB) country director Ellen Goldstein sought investment in public transport that can resolve the problem, saying that Bangladesh is not alone facing the traffic congestion.

"There are many countries which successfully overcame the crisis by adopting the BRT," she said mentioning name of the BRT-adopted cities like Jakarta, Mexico, Sau Paulo and Delhi.

The WB country director said the traffic snarl has been affecting the per capita income by disrupting business and economic growth. "Well functioning cities in the world have a good transportation system," she said.

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=93708&date=2012-01-13

Here's some more videos about BRT. The best I've seen so far :)...

http://www.streetfilms.org/bus-rapid-transit-bogota/

http://www.streetfilms.org/curitibas-brt/

Here's some more videos about BRT. The best I've seen so far :)...

http://www.streetfilms.org/bus-rapid-transit-bogota/

http://www.streetfilms.org/curitibas-brt/

As long as we do better than the Delhi BRT

As long as we do better than the Delhi BRT

I think the Delhi media (together with BRT System detractors like local bus operators) hyped the few initial problems a little too much. With any system you are going to have birthing pains but the idea of carrying 30,000~40,000 people per hour per direction (PPHD) during peak hours as TransMilenio in Bogota does-- (and that too without putting in expensive rail signaling and rail coaches) has no argument. You just learn the lessons (like trying to have an unrestricted busway) and move on.

http://www.dimts.in/pdf/Delhi_BRT_System_Lessons_Learnt.pdf

The point is that you can't _not_ do it when so many successes are there in so many third world cities.

Here are some more figures,

City....................System...... Avg. speed......Ridership (PPHD)
Mexico City..............Metrobus.......21................8500
Quito......................EcoVia..........18................10,200
Jakarta...................TransJakarta...18................4500
Beijing....................Beijing BRT......15................7500

Construction work of Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/64707324.jpg

:banana:

News - Process underway to introduce Bus Rapid Transit system in city
Dhaka, Jan 19 (UNB) - The government is going to introduce the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on 20 kilometers of road from Airport to Gazipur to ease the perennial traffic gridlock in the city and its surrounding areas.

Acting Communications Secretary MAN Siddique told reporters about the government plan on Thursday after a meeting of a seven-member delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with Communications Minister Obaidul Quader.

The delegation, led by ADB Urban Development Specialist David Margonsztern, met the minister at his secretariat office at noon.

Briefing the journalists, MAN Siddique said the ADB has already completed a feasibility study of the BRT project. The lending agency is now preparing a detailed design of the BRT, he added.

The project cost has been estimated at US$255 million, of which ADB will provide 210 million and the rest will come from the national exchequer.

He said the government will sign an agreement with the ADB in this regard in the last week of February. The work on the project will start within three months of the agreement.

The BRT is an innovative, high capacity, low-cost public transit solution that can significantly improve urban mobility.

This permanent and integrated system uses buses and other vehicles on roadways or dedicated lanes to quickly and efficiently transport passengers to their destinations, while offering the flexibility to meet transit demand.

Apart from a bus terminal and a depot, a few overpasses, underpasses and lanes will be constructed from the Airport Road to Gazipur under the BRT project. The road will also be extended in some areas.

With the BRT in place, one lakh people will be able to move on the road every day.

http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-67170

:banana:

News - Process underway to introduce Bus Rapid Transit system in city
Dhaka, Jan 19 (UNB) - The government is going to introduce the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system on 20 kilometers of road from Airport to Gazipur to ease the perennial traffic gridlock in the city and its surrounding areas.

Acting Communications Secretary MAN Siddique told reporters about the government plan on Thursday after a meeting of a seven-member delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with Communications Minister Obaidul Quader.

The delegation, led by ADB Urban Development Specialist David Margonsztern, met the minister at his secretariat office at noon.

Briefing the journalists, MAN Siddique said the ADB has already completed a feasibility study of the BRT project. The lending agency is now preparing a detailed design of the BRT, he added.

The project cost has been estimated at US$255 million, of which ADB will provide 210 million and the rest will come from the national exchequer.

He said the government will sign an agreement with the ADB in this regard in the last week of February. The work on the project will start within three months of the agreement.

The BRT is an innovative, high capacity, low-cost public transit solution that can significantly improve urban mobility.

This permanent and integrated system uses buses and other vehicles on roadways or dedicated lanes to quickly and efficiently transport passengers to their destinations, while offering the flexibility to meet transit demand.

Apart from a bus terminal and a depot, a few overpasses, underpasses and lanes will be constructed from the Airport Road to Gazipur under the BRT project. The road will also be extended in some areas.

With the BRT in place, one lakh people will be able to move on the road every day.

http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-67170

Yipppee, another project that's been talked about for longer than it would take to actually build and implement it. -_-

‘Bus Rapid Transit’ soon in city
News Desk
banglanews24.com

DHAKA: Construction works of 20-kilometre ‘Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)’ from Airport to Gazipur is going to be begun soon involving $255 million in bid to curb the traffic jam in the city.

Press Information Department (PID) of the government made the disclosure Thursday.

To support the project, a deal would be signed with the donor organization in the last week of February.

The decision came from a meeting between of Communications Minister Obaidul Quader and a delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) at his office in the city.

The City Development Expert of ADB David Morgenstern led the seven-member delegation.

The ADB has already conducted the feasibility test for financing the STP project under Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB) while the design of the route has already been drawn from the Airport to Gazipur crossing.

Besides, the World Bank is about to complete its feasibility test in financing another BRT project from Sadarghat to Airport in order to curb the traffic jam in the city.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Secretary for Road affairs MAN Siddique, Secretary of Bridge Division Khandaker Anwarul Islam, Engineer of Roads and Highway Aminur Rahman Laskar and Executive director of DTCB Dr SM Saleh Uddin.

BDST: 1941 HRS, JAN 19, 2012

http://www.banglanews24.com/English/detailsnews.php?nssl=b520fbfb0d37fbb44382ab286af16a50&nttl=2012012031150&toppos=6

Better city road network by March 2013: Quader

The communication sector will witness significant development after March 2013 as work on major city road projects is progressing fast, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday.

“Work on major road infrastructure projects taken up by the government with a view to easing traffic jam in the city would be completed by March 2013,” Quader said when a BGMEA delegation led by its President Safiul Islam Mohiuddin met the minister at his office.

The minister said Hatirjheel-Begunbari roads, Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover, also known as Mayor Mohammad Hanif flyover, 3.1-km Kuril flyover and Mirpur-Airport flyover will be ready by March 13 next year.

The BGMEA (Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association) delegation urged the minister to construct a footbridge at accident-prone Barobari point on Dhaka-Gazipur highway as many garment workers fall victim to road accident at this point.

Mentioning the importance of Ashulia-Baipile road, the delegation also requested the minister to upgrade the road into four lanes. —UNB

Source: The Daily Sun

Proposal for mass transport system gets Cabinet nod

The cabinet on Monday approved a proposal for constituting Special Project Organisation (SPO) to run the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a mass transport system from Gazipur to Shahjalal International Airport.

The approval was given at the regular weekly meeting of the cabinet held at the Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Cabinet Secretary Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuyan briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the mass transport system is aimed at easing vexing traffic congestions in Dhaka City.

The proposed company, Trans Dhaka, will run the mass transport system while Bridge Division, LGED and Roads and Highways Department will implement the project.

The meeting also approved the Members of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (Terms and Condition of Service) (Amendment) Act 2012, aiming to raise the salary of the Chairman equivalent to Cabinet Secretary while that of members’ equivalent to secretary.

The cabinet also gave a nod to the draft of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Maritime University Act 2012.

The cabinet secretary said the meeting approved the list of 476 items to give preferential tariff facilities to the OIC member countries under the Protocol on Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS-OIC.

The proposals for ratification of the Framework Agreement on the Promotion and Liberalisation of the Trade Services among APTA Participating States and the Bilateral Trade Agreement signed with Kuwait were also approved by the Cabinet.

A report on the participation of Bangladesh delegation in the 8th Ministerial Meeting of WTO held in Geneva last December was placed before the cabinet.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=148611

Gazipur to Airport
Rapid bus project given go-ahead
Govt hopes to start work in July, ease traffic jam

Tuesday, February 7, 2012


http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2012/02/07/2012-02-07__front10.jpg

The cabinet yesterday approved a proposal for constituting a special project organisation (SPO) to operate the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka to Gazipur.

The approval came at a weekly cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Secretariat.

The proposed company, Trans Dhaka, will operate BRT while the Roads and Highways Department and Bridge Division under the communications ministry and the Local Government Division of LGRD ministry will implement the project.

Once in operation, BRT will transport smoothly around 20,000 to 25,000 people per hour.

The implementation work of BRT is set to start from July at a cost of $240 million, of which $145 million will be provided by the Asian Development Bank, Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan briefed reporters after the meeting.

“We will start the loan negotiation within a week. If everything goes well, we can begin work in July and hope to complete it within the tenure of the present government,” Communications Secretary MAN Siddque told The Daily Star, adding that the tentative target to finish the work was 2015.

He said articulated buses would ply on the route and every 10 minutes, as had been discussed primarily, would touch a station so that passengers would not have to wait in long queues.

Apart from the airport-Gazipur route, the authorities would start work on three other BRT lines -- airport to Saidabad via Malibagh, Saidabad to Gabtoli, and airport to Sadarghat within the present government's tenure, added Siddique.

The communications secretary said work on implementing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line-6 was under process and the government was working to implement two other MRT lines to ease the capital's traffic congestion.

Asked how people would move from the airport to other parts of the capital, including Motijheel, he said they could use the MRT-6, also known as Metro Rail, which would ply from Uttara Third Phase to Saidabad and the elevated expressway that connects airport with Chittagong Road.

There are two proposals for dedicated routes for articulated buses -- through the fast lane and along the slow lane, said Siddique, adding that most experts recommended the fast lane of the road.

However, there is opinion against this recommendation. According to some experts, if buses use the middle of the road, they would have to stop at stations every 10 minutes crossing lanes which might have a negative impact on the traffic situation.

“Considering these aspects, we will go for a test trial soon and then take the final decision,” said the secretary.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=221453

No poster, no graffiti on walls
Bill passed with provision for designated spots

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Parliament yesterday passed a bill imposing a ban on sticking posters on walls or putting them up on any structures and scrawling graffiti on walls across the country.

The legislation titled “Graffiti Writing and Poster Sticking Control Act, 2012” allows local authorities to designate places for sticking posters or scrawling graffiti. Individuals and organisations willing to use those spots will have to pay fees and abide by some conditions.

Once the new law is in force, the government can issue an order specifying a time frame for removal of posters and scrubbing away graffiti.

On failure to do so, the local authorities may do the job and will charge the individual or the organisation concerned the costs, says a provision of the new law.

One may be punished with a fine of up to Tk 15,000 and a jail term of up to 15 days for flouting this law.

According to a special provision of the law, electoral laws will take precedence over this new legislation during the parliamentary polls or elections to any local government bodies.

Pasting posters and scrawling graffiti on walls have been going unabated. People do this not merely during electioneering but throughout the year. Individuals, mostly belonging to political parties, put up posters to do self-publicity in the name of greeting people on different occasions.

Besides, socio-cultural and business organisations stick posters to press for their demands and advertise products and services.

In the capital, many people have long been campaigning for Dhaka City Corporation elections, though the Election Commission itself is still undecided about the polls schedule.

State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak yesterday proposed for passage of the bill on behalf of LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam.

The bill was placed in the House on December 28 last year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=221566

^^
Good initiative indeed!

^^
Good initiative indeed!

Indeed, but let's see them implement the law.

JS passes bill to modernise city traffic system

The Jatiya Sangsad today passed Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) Bill, 2012 to make the city's transport system a modern, planned and coordinated one, reports BSS.
The Bill proposed an amendment to Dhaka Transport Coordination Board Act- 2001 for bringing the districts of Naryanganj, Munshiganj, Manikganj, Gazipur and Narsingdi under the purview of the law.
Communications Minister Obaidul Quader piloted the bill in the House, which was passed by voice votes.
Earlier, the draft of the Bill was approved in
JS passes bill to modernise city traffic system
principal by the cabinet on April 25, 2011. The Bill also seeks replacement of the existing Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB).
As per the Bill, the communications minister instead of the DCC mayor will be the chairman of the 27-member new body to be formed with six districts of greater Dhaka. "It has become urgent to amend and implement the law as donors agencies, including JICA, ADB and World Bank, have been requesting the Bangladesh government to turn the DTCB into a strong authority for implementing MRT Line-6, Greater Dhaka Urban Corridor Improvement Project and Clean Air Sustainable Project," the Bill adds.

Source: The News Today

Easing Dhaka's congestion

Selim Mansoor

In this modern age of technology boom, is it necessary that all government ministries should remain confined in one place -- the Bangladesh Secretariat? Much of the Dhaka city's congestion will be eased if government ministries can be spread over and across its suburbs and adjoining districts. Narayanganj, Savar, Keraniganj and Gazipur can be ideal location for relocating several ministries.

Only the ministries of defence, finance, planning, home, information and foreign affairs can retain their office in Dhaka and other ministries may be moved out in phases to places outside Dhaka. These ministries can be connected via fibre optic cables and secure virtual private network (VPN). This is more so because then we are talking about a really digital Government of Bangladesh (GoB).

The ministries of energy and power, communications, forest and environment, food and agriculture can go to Gazipur, port and shipping, textile, jute and industry can go to Naraynganj. Likewise, the ministries of health, education, labour and manpower, science and technology, youth and sports can be moved out to Savar; commerce, land, and cultural affairs to Keraniganj. Why the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) affairs division or ministry cannot be based at Ranagmati?

All these ministries can be also connected via fibre optic cables and secure VPN. Once relocated after setting up infrastructures, the existing facilities of these ministries can be appropriately used. Gazipur, Savar and Narayanganj can have better road and other communications. E-Governance can then be put in place.

Then gradually, all garments factories, leather industry and other polluting industries must be moved out of Dhaka to specific locations. A major portion of readymade garments RMG) industries can go to Keraniganj and Gazaria Garments pally (garments village), leather industry to leather complex at Nabinagar. The government must clean residential areas like Dhanmondi, Banani, Gulshan, Uttara, Malibagh, and Lalbagh from all kinds of commercial activities.

It is appropriate time to relocate the Border Guard and Army Headquarters to appropriate places outside Dhaka. These two establishments, situated in the capital city, do at times cause serious bottlenecks, directly or indirectly for traffic movement. We wonder why democratic government can not take and implement such decisions. What useful purpose such establishments are serving to the national cause, occupying such large areas in the capital city? Why can not Dhaka Cantonment be moved to Gazipur and the Border Guard Headquarters to Keraniganj?

Simultaneous to such actions, the government should take appropriate moves to help connect Narayanganj, Savar, Gazipur and Keraniganj with the capital city through elevated express highways and fast moving railway. Some multi-storied parking facilities must be set up in the city centres. More long-body natural gas vehicles (NGV) buses should be introduced and all old polluting vehicles, slow-moving human haulers and mini-taxi cabs must be removed as soon as possible. Fifty per cent of city congestion and also 50 per cent load on city utilities will be relieved from taking of such steps.

If major government offices including the border guard and army installations can be moved out of Dhaka in phases and if RMG and leather industries can also be relocated, we can gradually make Dhaka habitable for all, and return to the old lovely Dhaka that we can all take pride on.

Source: Financial Express

Easing Dhaka's congestion

Selim Mansoor

In this modern age of technology boom, is it necessary that all government ministries should remain confined in one place -- the Bangladesh Secretariat? Much of the Dhaka city's congestion will be eased if government ministries can be spread over and across its suburbs and adjoining districts. Narayanganj, Savar, Keraniganj and Gazipur can be ideal location for relocating several ministries.

Only the ministries of defence, finance, planning, home, information and foreign affairs can retain their office in Dhaka and other ministries may be moved out in phases to places outside Dhaka. These ministries can be connected via fibre optic cables and secure virtual private network (VPN). This is more so because then we are talking about a really digital Government of Bangladesh (GoB).

The ministries of energy and power, communications, forest and environment, food and agriculture can go to Gazipur, port and shipping, textile, jute and industry can go to Naraynganj. Likewise, the ministries of health, education, labour and manpower, science and technology, youth and sports can be moved out to Savar; commerce, land, and cultural affairs to Keraniganj. Why the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) affairs division or ministry cannot be based at Ranagmati?

All these ministries can be also connected via fibre optic cables and secure VPN. Once relocated after setting up infrastructures, the existing facilities of these ministries can be appropriately used. Gazipur, Savar and Narayanganj can have better road and other communications. E-Governance can then be put in place.

Then gradually, all garments factories, leather industry and other polluting industries must be moved out of Dhaka to specific locations. A major portion of readymade garments RMG) industries can go to Keraniganj and Gazaria Garments pally (garments village), leather industry to leather complex at Nabinagar. The government must clean residential areas like Dhanmondi, Banani, Gulshan, Uttara, Malibagh, and Lalbagh from all kinds of commercial activities.

It is appropriate time to relocate the Border Guard and Army Headquarters to appropriate places outside Dhaka. These two establishments, situated in the capital city, do at times cause serious bottlenecks, directly or indirectly for traffic movement. We wonder why democratic government can not take and implement such decisions. What useful purpose such establishments are serving to the national cause, occupying such large areas in the capital city? Why can not Dhaka Cantonment be moved to Gazipur and the Border Guard Headquarters to Keraniganj?

Simultaneous to such actions, the government should take appropriate moves to help connect Narayanganj, Savar, Gazipur and Keraniganj with the capital city through elevated express highways and fast moving railway. Some multi-storied parking facilities must be set up in the city centres. More long-body natural gas vehicles (NGV) buses should be introduced and all old polluting vehicles, slow-moving human haulers and mini-taxi cabs must be removed as soon as possible. Fifty per cent of city congestion and also 50 per cent load on city utilities will be relieved from taking of such steps.

If major government offices including the border guard and army installations can be moved out of Dhaka in phases and if RMG and leather industries can also be relocated, we can gradually make Dhaka habitable for all, and return to the old lovely Dhaka that we can all take pride on.

Source: Financial Express

Sounds like a big fairyland!

Huh

Rapid bus service project awaits ECNEC approval

A specialized mass bus service project aimed at offering a transit service for commuters from northern city outskirts is expected to witness a crucial development as officials expect a deal with multilateral donors next week, reports BSS.
“ADB (The Asian Development Bank), French donor agency AFD (Agency France for Development) and GEF (Global Environment Facility) earlier agreed to support the project and we expect to sign an agreement with them on March 12,” Roads and Highways Department chief engineer Aminur Rahman Lasker told BSS.
According to the project, the cost of this section has been estimated $ 255 million of which Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been offered $ 160 million, Agency France for Development (AFD) $ 45 million and Global Environment Facility (GEF) offered $ 4.5 million and the rest of Taka 415.42 crore will come from the government’s own fund.
R&H officials earlier said they signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Ltd (BTCL) last week to use five acres of their land to set up their bus depot at Gazipur area.
According to the project initially 50 long bodied buses would be commissioned to carry passengers from Gazipur area to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while the service was expected to ferry as high as 30,000 people during peak hours of the day.
Project Director (PD) of BRT M Dalil Uddin said the communications ministry has sent the Detail Project Proposal (DPP) to the planning commission for approval in the Executive Committee on National Economic Council (ECNEC) on February 15.
He said the pre loan negotiation meeting with the donor agencies is expected to be held at Economic Relations Department (ERD) tomorrow.
Earlier, the cabinet approved a proposal for constituting the special project organisation (SPO) to operate the proposed BRT from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Gazipur on February 8, 2012.
There are two dedicated lanes will be constructed in the middle of the existing roads for BRT including seven flyovers, two-lane flyover at Joydebpur intersection, Tongi Bridge and 4.5 kilometres elevated express way, he said.

Source: The Independent

440 buses to be imported from India: Minister
→ Staff Correspondent


Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday told the Jatiya Sangsad that the government had a plan to run more buses under the state-run corporation to ensure smooth movement of commuters in the city.

“We have already imported 275 CNG-run buses from China, 150 air-conditioned and 105 non-air-conditioned buses from Korea,” he said while replying to a tabled question of independent lawmaker Fazlul Azim.

“Besides, 290 double-deckers, 100 single-deckers and 50 articulated buses will be imported from India,” he said.

Replying to a question from Shamsul Haque Chowdhury, the minister said some 16.77 lakh vehicles had been registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority across the country.

“Of them, 39,910 are buses, 36,241 mini-buses, 91,629 trucks, 39,910 lorries and 219,976 cars,” he said, adding that the government earned Tk 685 crore as revenue last year from the Roads and Highways Department.

The minister said development work of roads of the three land ports under three projects was underway to increase export and import with India.

“Two more projects have also been waiting to get the nod,” he said while answering a tabled question of Tajul Islam from Commila-9 constituency.

The projects are Bhomra land port connecting Satkhira, Birishiri-Bijoypur land port and Nakla-Nalitabari-Nakugaon while Dinajpur-Biral-Pakura-Radhikar and Chunarughat-Balla-Kedaraghat are waiting to get the nod from the government.

Replying to a question of reserved seat lawmaker Sajida Khatun, the minister said the government issued registration to 220 vehicles, including motorcycles, every day in the capital.

Source: The Daily Sun

BRT project render!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxuI4HwGCH8

An update on the Kuril Flyover:

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/68562142.jpg
Pillars

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/68562208.jpg
Railway underpass

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/68562189.jpg
Railway underpass

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/68562168.jpg
Construction

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/68562152.jpg
Construction

Some current road construction projects, scheduled for completion by next summer (2013):

Installation of solar-powered traffic signals at 30 city intersections

Construction of foot overbridges at: Near Bashundara City Shopping Center at Pantapath, near Monipur High School Road at Shewrapara, in front of LAB AID Hospital in Dhanmondi, Shahjadpur near Cambrian College on Pragati Sarani, Near Sobhanbagh Mosque on Mirpur Road, Mirpur Road-Mazar Road intersection at Gabtoli, Shahbagh Intersection on Elephant Road, Middle Badda on Pragati Sarani, Pirjongi Mazar Intersection at Kamalapur and near Teacher's Training College on Mirpur

Construction of overpasses in city’s level crossings stressed

Communications Minis-ter Obaidul Quader on Thursday stressed construction of overpasses in the city’s various level crossings to reduce traffic congestion, reports BSS.
He said the construction works of three flyovers are going in full swing, of which construction of Mirpur-Airport Road flyover would be completed by March next.
“Banani Level Crossing overpass is under construction, and after completion of Mirpur-Airport Road, Kuril, Gulistan- Jatrabari flyovers, the traffic condition in the city would improve,” the minister told newsmen while inspecting the city’s traffic snarl.
He along with other high officials of the ministry visited the city’s different areas to find out the root cause of city’s frequent traffic congestion.
The minister said the communications ministry and other bodies concerned would jointly implement the decisions along with cooperation of the city dwellers to bring traffic congestion at a tolerable stage.
Urging vehicle owners and drivers not to park their vehicles haphazardly, Quader said traffic department has to take necessary steps against illegal parking.
During his visit to Farmgate area, the minister expressed dissatisfaction for keeping dustbin under the footover bridge and talked to administrator of Dhaka City Corporation North for taking stern action against those who are responsible.
Obaidul Quader also observed mobile court activities run by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) in the area, the handout added.

Source: News Today

City corporation move to ease traffic jam yet to see light

The Dhaka South City Corporation is yet to commission two off-street car parking projects in Motijheel and Dilkusha commercial areas, where vehicles are parked on roads causing huge gridlock.
The City Centre Project, one of the multi-storey car parks, is yet to be commissioned due to lack of power and gas connections although the construction was finished in 2009.
The other project, 25-storey parking lot-cum-commercial building at Dilkusha, is still under construction.
‘I heard that this building will be used as car park for about two years but I do not know when this will be opened for us,’ said Mohammad Abrar Hossian, a private service holder at Motijheel.
A policeman standing in front of the Sun-Moon Star Tower said that he did not hear about this parking lot.
The plan, to construct the 37-storey parking lot-cum-commercial building City Centre on 18 Kathas of land at Motijheel, had been taken in 1997 to ease traffic congestion at the adjacent areas.
The tender process for the much hyped City Centre was completed in 2003 and construction work started in 2005.
Construction of the high rise — the tallest building in the country according to the city corporations officials — was completed in 2009.
Belhasa Accom JV Ltd, a member of Orion Group, financed and implemented the project under the supervision of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
City Centre Project director Jahangir Kabir told New Age on March 25 that due to lack of power and gas connections this centre was yet to be commissioned.
Another project official, Khaled Masood, said that the building would consume about four megawatt power which was the main reason behind the delay of getting power connection.
He said the building, with three basement and six upper storeys, would be used as car park that would accumulate about 500 cars at a time.
‘This building, including the parking space, is ready with some modern facilities like — lifts, fire equipment, ram, back-up generator, close circuit television and rest rooms for drivers,’ he said, ‘If we get power connection we will open this building within a month.’
The Sun-Moon Star Tower, another public private partnership of the former DCC and Moon Group of Industries Limited, is situated at the 37 Dilkusha on about two bighas of land.
An official of the group told New Age on March 18 that the tower’s construction had been started in 2011 which would be ended in December 2013.
‘The building’s seven floors will be used for car parking,’ the source added.
The group general manager, MA Azam Mazumder, said that this building would accumulate about 2,000 cars at a time.
Both of the buildings’ private partners said that the city corporation would operate these car parks after opening.
Dhaka South City Corporation traffic engineering division’s superintending engineer Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman admitted on March 27 that due to lack of power and gas connection the City Centre was yet to be opened.
‘We are sending letters to the power department time to time for getting power connection but yet to get any result,’ he added.
About the parking lot at Dilkusha he said that he got no clear idea about the project as the related zonal office’s executive engineer was in charge of the supervision of the project.
DSCC zone 2 (former zone 4 in Dhaka City Corporation) executive engineer Kazi Borhan Uddin told New Age on March 29 that he knew very little about this project.
‘I heard that the building’s 18 floors have been completed,’ he said, adding that he did not have the related data to say anything else.
‘We got this project’s responsibility about three months ago and there is no project director till then,’ he added.
The committee for coordination and monitoring on the city’s traffic problem took a decision on January 18 this year to crackdown, within a month, on unauthorised establishments and car parks to recover the roads, footpaths and the adjoining spaces at Motijheel and Dilkusha commercial areas for easing the city’s traffic congestion.

Source: The New Age

Kuril flyover project delayed for fund constraint
Shamsul Huda

http://thenewnationbd.com/news_image/daily_news/20120407/F-2.jpg

The construction of Kuril flyover at the intersection of airport road and Progati Swarani is unlikely to be completed by December this year.
The physical progress is moving well, however affected by initial impediments caused by the Purbachal under construction road from Kuril towards the new city at the east end of the metropolis,
Eng. Shawkat Hussain, project director of the flyover told The New Nation that the physical progress of the project is satisfactory.
He said there is no physical impediment now as the RAJUK has resolved the problem by opening an outlet on the Purbachal road to continue the flyover construction. Moreover, it is facing land acquisition problems to build approach roads.
The Tk 1.5 billion project has so far achieved 60 percent physical progress while the financial progress till March this year stands at 30 percent, Eng Shawkat said.
The sources, however said it is facing financial constraint and fear that it may not be completed within the stipulated time. The government is heavily borrowing from banks and its fund constraint is hurting the implementation of all big projects including this project.
Its construction is being carried out by a local company named Project Builders Limited (PBL) as a joint venture with a Chinese company styled MBEC. Three other companies are working as consultants. They are Development Design Consultants Ltd, Acumen Consulting House Ltd and Devine Associates Ltd.
Once completed the flyover will facilitate the Kuril railway passage without any stop over of transport vehicles as they will run over the newly built structure. More significantly, from Banani to Airport, Purbachal to Rampura and such other intersections- vehicles over 20 routes can move without interference or waiting for signal clearance.

Source: New Nation

Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover construction resumes


Mon, Apr 9th, 2012 10:52 pm BdST

Dhaka, Apr 9 (bdnews24.com) – Construction of the Gulistan-Jatrabari flyover has resumed after remained suspended for many months due to complexities in utility service lines, a junior minister has said.

State minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak told reporters at his Secretariat office on Monday that the construction of the flyover had remained suspended due to some complexities over shifting the gas, power, water and telephone lines in the area.

The state minister said the Dhaka WASA, Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC), Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL) have been asked to shift the lines within three months.

Besides, the relevant departments have been asked to inform the ministry about the progress of the construction work of the flyover after every two weeks.

Nanak hoped that the construction work would be completed by Dec 16 this year.

Earlier, the state minister held a meeting with the officials on the progress of the flyover construction. The meeting was attended by local government secretary Abu Alam Mohammad Shahid Khan and top officials of Dhaka WASA, DPDC, BTCL and TGTDCL.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the work of Jatrabari-Gulistan flyover, on June 22, 2010.

The flyover will be named after the first Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) mayor Mohammad Hanif.

bdnews24.com/si/skb/ssr/2140h

Thai firm selected to build city expressway

THURSDAY, 19 APRIL 2012 AUTHOR / SOURCE : DEEPAK ACHARJEE

DHAKA, APR 18: A Thai engineering firm Thai MM Company Limited is going to be appointed soon to check the design and construction work of the proposed four-lane 26-km-long Dhaka Elevated Expressway to ease traffic congestion in the capital. The bridge division has selected the firm for five years at a cost of Tk 59.56 crore, said bridge division sources.
Already the bridge division has prepared a proposal on the matter and will place it at the next cabinet committee meeting on economic affairs, sources added.
A high official of the bridge division said, they have selected Thai MM Company Limited out of the three firms. The other two were High Point Rendel of the UK and SUNJIN Engineering and Architectural Company Limited of South Korea, he said.
On January 19 this year, the bridge division signed an agreement with the Italian-Thai Development Public Co Ltd for the construction of the proposed Dhaka Elevated Expressway at a cost of Tk 8,703 crore.
The Italian-Thai company would bear 73 per cent of the total cost and the Bangladesh government the remaining 27 per cent.
The four-lane 26-km-long elevated expressway will stretch from Shahjalal International Airport to Kutubkhali on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway via Kuril, Banani, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Satrasta, Moghbazar, Kamalapur, Khilgaon and Golapbagh.
The main expressway will extend over 21 kilometres with two links totaling five kilometres. One will be from Manik Mia Avenue to Satrasta intersection via Khamarbari and the other from Hatirjheel to Moghbazar via Nilkhet, Dhaka University and Plassey intersection.
Each motor car, sport utility vehicle (SUV) and microbus will have to pay Tk 125 while Tk 250 will be charged for buses as toll fee. Vehicles using the expressway through mid-points will be charged Tk 100 each.
It is estimated, at least 30,000 vehicles will pass through the expressway per hour. This would reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, according to the project proposal.Sources claimed the elevated expressway would provide a ‘permanent solution’ to the huge traffic congestion in the capital city.
About 3.25 lakh motor vehicles and an estimated three to five lakh rickshaws ply on the Dhaka city roads everyday.

Source: The Independent

BRTC to introduce ICT fare system for transport

Bangladesh Road Transport Cooperation (BRTC) is going to introduce ICT fare system on the selected bus routes in the city, reports UNB.
The system will be introduced under the project Fare-system Improvement of Mass Transportation with support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The project will introduce ICT fare card for some selected bus routes, which will improve BRTC bus operations through efficient fare system by Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Communications Minister Obaidul Quader formally inaugurated the ICT ticketing system for BRTC bus services at a seminar held at a city hotel on Wednesday.
Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Office Dr. Takao Toda attended the inaugural function as the special guest.
Secretary of Roads Division MAN Siddique and BRTC Chairman Major (retd) MM Iqbal, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
Speaking as the chief guest, Obaidul Qader said if the projects show the maximum benefits, such ICT ticketing system will be introduced in the private transportations along with the BRTC bus services. "It's a new beginning and new journey."
He mentioned that BRTC is going to procure some 290
modern buses to expand its fleet. Of them, 31 buses have already arrived. "Some 100 BRTC buses would be given for the city schools in order to ease the traffic jam."
Qader admitted that the government has achieved 'zero progress' in removing the city traffic jam and he, however, said the government is planning to introduce big size vehicles on the city roads instead of small ones to remove the traffic jam.
Jun Kondo, FeliCa Business Division of Sony Corporation, presented a paper on Contactless Smart Card Technology "FeliCa" while Takao Mitsuishi, team leader of JICA project, presented another paper on Introduction of the JICA-ICT project at the seminar.
According to the seminar, the project has adopted 'non-contact' ICT card and reader considering humidity and dusty environment. Among ICT card, the project adopted SPASS, which is a local nomenclature of FaliCa card developed by Sony. FeliCa has been widespread for the transportation card system in Japan and other countries.

Source: The News Today

Kuril flyover work hits snags
Fund release, eviction blamed

Shamsul Huda

http://thenewnationbd.com/news_image/daily_news/20120419/FP-01.jpg

The construction works of the Kuril flyover at theKuril-Biswaroad intersection; connecting the city with the airport, isprogressing at a slow pace due to delay in fund disbursement and landacquisition for the approach links.
The builders blame the land acquisition andeviction problems as the main reasons behind the slow progress while others say the delay in fund disbursement as the main constraint. .
The Managing Director of'Projects Builders Ltd' engaged in the construction of Kuril Flyover Eng.Aminul Islam said eviction of possessors of the land on the approach road asthe major impediment to make decisive progress towards implementing the project.
He said up to 60 percent of thephysical construction of the flyoverhas already been completed but in terms of financial progress, there is only 30percent disbursement of fund. He said agencies concerned with the constructionof the Tk 150 crore Rajuk funded project are working hard to resolveproblem.
He said the main problem ishowever, freeing the land from the possession of the ccupiers. Until the land can be secured by evicting them,although owners have already been paid there will be no progress towardsbuilding the approach road to Purbachal city. Project Director at theconstruction site Eng. Shakawat Hossain said Rajuk will take up an evictiondrive today (Thursday) with the help of the law enforcing agencies to vacatethe land.
He said once the land will befree, there will be no major problem to the opening
of the flyover head towardsPurbachal city. The construction of project will get fresh momentum afterit.
On the disbursement of Rajukfund, Eng. Shakawat Hossain said, Rajuk is scheduled to hold a meeting today todiscuss problems relating the release of the project fund. He hopes thisproblem would be over soon.

Source: The New Nation

BRTC getting rid of busses to early, meant to last 5 years:

http://files.bdnews24.com/gallery/2012/04/2012-04-18-18-39-55-April........................%20Eightteen%2009.jpg

http://files.bdnews24.com/gallery/2012/04/2012-04-18-18-39-45-April........................%20Eightteen%2008.jpg

http://files.bdnews24.com/gallery/2012/04/2012-04-18-18-39-41-April........................%20Eightteen%2007.jpg

Old Dhaka flyover nuisance for traffic

DHAKA, APR 19: The under construction Gulistan-Jatrabari Flyover has been causing heavy traffic gridlock on the streets in southern part of the capital city round the clock.
Driver frustration, trip delays and increased air and noise pollutions are its direct impacts, said commuters. Mokter Hossain, who was on a passenger bus on Wednesday, told “The Independent”; “It took me two hours on Monday morning to reach Gulistan from my residence at Shanir Akhra by bus, which earlier took no more than 25 minutes.” Flyover pillars create barriers put up to build the flyover reduced the road width from Gulistan to Jatrabari by half.
Obviously, at peak hours, the traffic virtually comes to a standstill on the entire stretch from Gulistan to Jatrabari, though it has been made off-limit to non-motorised transports.
But the traffic police remain indifferent to enforce the rule, which requires non-motorized transports to stay away. Despite the problems created by the construction, the flyover on completion is designed to facilitate faster road connectivity between 30 districts, not to speak of between the rest of the country and Chittagong port.
The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the construction on June 2010 and the flyover, named after former mayor of Dhaka Mohammad Hanif, is expected to be in place by December 2012. Belhasa Accom and Associates Ltd, an associate company of Orion Group for Dhaka City Corporation, are building the nine- kilometer long four-lane flyover at an estimated cost of Tk 1,332 crore under build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) arrangement.
Asked about the traffic jam that created for the flyover construction, the project director Ashiqur Rahman, said that, “We are constructing the flyover using the state-of-the-art technology and the latest equipment, so it is not possible to face the traffic jam on the road for long.”
“Moreover, in consultation with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC), we devised a plan on how to manage the traffic on the Gulistan-Jatrabari Road and we already taken step to look into it,” Director Ashiq said about erasing jam.
According to the decision, the traffic police will keep the road free from rickshaws and other slow moving non-motorised transports. But visiting the area, the correspondent found that, rickshaws as usual non-motorised transports easily moving on the road and the traffic police haven’t taking any action into it.
Asked about different road, director Ashiq said; “traffic congestion on this road was a regular experience earlier and also the DCC could not build a diversion road for lack of space.” In another question answer, he said that he is confident that the flyover would be built on the schedule as around 50 percent of the work has already completed so far.
“The dual carriageway flyover on the Dhaka Chittagong Highway would have 13 slip roads for exits and entries at different points including at Palashi. It would have a minimum height of 5.5 metres, rising to 7.2 metres at level crossings,” DCC officials said.
The construction work on the 10-km flyover, stretching from Dhaka-Chittagong Highway to Palashi via Gulistan and Kaptan Bazar, started on June 22, 2010. The project, being constructed under PPP (public private partnership), is originally scheduled to be completed by June 2013. The Dhaka City Corporation (South) is the implementing agency of the project.

Source: The Independent

Govt to build Darussalam-Kachukhet road


Bss, Dhaka

The government is set to construct a new road linking the capital's Darussalam in Mirpur and Kachukhet with a budget of Tk 485 crore to ease traffic jam in Dhaka.

The road will establish new traffic corridor which is expected to ease the vehicular movements in Dhaka's Mirpur, Ahmednagar, Kazipara, Shewdapara, Ibrahimpur, Kafrul and adjoining areas, said an official of planning commission.

Under the project, a parallel road will also be built that will link central Dhaka and Mirpur, he added.

The 3.6km road with a width of 100 feet will be built on 23.83 acres of land.

Local Government Division will implement the Darus Salam-Kachukhet road project under Dhaka City Corporation North by 2013.

Source: Daily Star

Construction work for Gulistan-Jatrabari Flyover has started again after a long period. The snap was taken on Thursday.

http://thenewnationbd.com/news_image/daily_news/20120421/City.jpg

Gulistan Jatrabari Flyover
13th April 2012
http://youtu.be/qC1YEbW_dewGuli

Road digging during monsoon

Khalilur Rahman

Barely six weeks are left for monsoon to set in. As usual, there has been a digging spree of roads in different parts of Dhaka city now for laying storm sewer pipes to flush out rain water. Most of the busy thoroughfares remain occupied by giant concrete pipes making it extremely difficult for the road users to negotiate those excavated sites. In some places, not to speak of the movement of vehicular traffic, even the pedestrians face difficulties to pass through muddy and inundated roads caused by digging. The VIP roads are not also exempted from the digging for laying sewer pipes. The whole exercise, undertaken by the drainage division of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) aims at easing city's vexing problem of waterlogging. The taxpayers wonder why the authorities concerned spend time idly throughout the dry season and suddenly embark upon road cutting just before monsoon. They could undertake the work early and complete it before rainy season. The dug-out roads and dumping of mud and sand in the middle of the thoroughfares offer a horrible sight. The situation further worsens when it rains.

An absolute lack of sound planning and coordination among the utility agencies for over the years has complicated the situation making it almost impossible to resolve serious water logging problem that the city dwellers are facing every year in the near future. Under the prevailing circumstances, a permanent solution to the inundation of roads and low laying areas even after a brief shower is hard to accomplish. According to a report, the WASA has undertaken work on digging up 26 kilometres of road in the capital to lay sewer pipes at present. The work progresses at a snail's pace causing sufferings to the residents.

The Dhaka City Corporation (DCC), North and South, appear to be unconcerned about repairing those portions of roads where the WASA has already completed laying of sewer pipes. The DCC is under obligation to reconstruct a road after digging and completion of pipe laying by a utility agency as the fees for the repair works are deposited with the DCC before excavation is undertaken. Last year, press reports say, the WASA dug a large number of roads in Uttara to improve drainage system for easy flow of flood water. It took the DCC over a year to repair the dug out roads. In another case, the WASA began digging of a four-kilometre road to install storm sewer pipes in Gulshan for preventing flow of waste waters into Gulshan-Baridhara lake. The work started in February last and it is likely to continue until June next when monsoon rain will cause sufferings to the road users.

It may be mentioned that the High Court on April 15 asked the government to demolish unauthorized structures in Gulshan lake within 15 days and submit a report on compliance to it by May 2. Illegal occupation of canals and lakes is the major cause of waterlogging as well as serious environmental pollution in the capital. The lake between Gulshan-2 and Banani is almost filled up and is now full of weeds.

The Dhaka district administration, according to a report, has failed to recover 15 canals in Tejgaon area from the grabbers, despite the higher authorities had directed it to free the water bodies. As a result, over a million residents of the area have been facing acute waterlogging almost round the year. It has been reported that a good number of real estate companies have occupied the canals gradually since the liberation of Bangladesh. Local people say that the task of recovering the canals is difficult now as those have been filled up by the illegal occupants who have constructed high-rise buildings there. Therefore, the people of the area have no alternative to keep themselves free from waterlogging at the moment. Only a strong political will can change the situation for the better. Meanwhile, close coordination among the utility service providers is essential to overcome waterlogging in the city to the relief of its over 15 million inhabitants.

(khalilbdh@gmail.com)

‘Unnecessary foot overbridge’

City Desk

An unnecessary foot overbridge is being made on the VIP road near Banani-Kakali intersection in Dhaka. The new foot overbridge, which is third in the area, is totally unwanted and not necessary for the pedestrians as there are two other bridges exists between 900 yards near the new bridge.
The existing two foot overbridges are more than sufficient for the pedestrians. In fact, most of the time they are not used by the public. Is the new bridge necessary? - when asked, the Administrator of DCC North Khorshed Alam Chowdhury replied, 'DCC makes foot overbridge when a road becomes too risky for the pedestrians to cross and if it becomes congested by huge traffic. The necessity is measured by survey. But the third overbridge near Banani was initiated by the previous authority of DCC. Current authority is only executing the previous decision.'

Dealing with city's gridlock

Khalilur Rahman

With each passing day, gridlock in Dhaka city appears to be turning from bad to worse as measures so far taken by the traffic managers are quite inadequate to overcome the crisis. The road users often hear about announcement of newer methods from the authorities concerned to resolve this nagging problem taking a heavy toll not only on citizens' free movement, but also causing a colossal loss in terms of working hours and hampering all other commercial activities. On April 30, a parliamentary sub-committee directed the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to prevent each and every business organization from carrying out commercial activities in the residential plots in city's Gulshan, Banani and Uttara to reduce traffic congestion in those areas.

The parliamentary standing committee on the ministry of housing formed a sub-committee a month ago to probe into irregularities in using residential plots, resulting in city's gridlock. The sub-committee with Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury, an Awami League MP as its head has, press reports say, found that commercial organisations in residential plots have been evading tax by not paying it at commercial rates. The sub-committee instructed RAJUK to enlist banks, insurance companies, show rooms of cars, travel agencies and 18 other firms as commercial organisations. With regard to gridlock in Gulshan and Banani, Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury said that the business activities in those residential areas have created such traffic congestion. He stated that the sufferings of the road users will be reduced if those commercial offices ceased to function. Mr. Chowdhury further said these business offices which pay bills for electricity, water and other utility services provided to residential consumers at reduced rates must not be allowed to do so.

We should wait for some time to see the result of the latest measure as proposed by the parliamentary sub-committee. At the moment all other major causes of acute gridlock, such as wayside parking of vehicles at busy points, reckless driving and frequent violation of traffic rules remain unresolved. The traffic authority always blames lack of manpower and logistics for dealing with city's gridlock. But it is common knowledge that one or two simple steps may improve the situation dramatically which does not require additional manpower nor elaborate logistics -- but a strong will. Wayside parking is one such problem that can be tackled quite easily.

Long queues of automobiles are always found parked beside the thoroughfares in peak hours causing intolerable traffic jam. For an example, the busy road from the National Press Club to Topkhana crossing always provides ideal parking lots for cars and pickups. No policeman is ever found asking the car owners to remove those from the busy road. Commuters feel, it does not require elaborate arrangements to address this problem. Illegal parking in this road just beside the Bangladesh Secretariat, the highest seat of administration is taking place every day with impunity. Despite strong warnings by the communications minister and public protests, the illegal parking of vehicles beside the road continues much to the sufferings of the people. Strict implementation of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) rules can only remove unauthorised parking of vehicles from the streets and pavements. In many cases, a poor traffic man on duty cannot take a wealthy and influential owner to task for illegal parking for the fear of even losing his job.

The higher authority must stand beside the members of law enforcers in streets to strictly enforce DMP rules. It is a common sight that overcrowded buses stop in busy intersections to take passengers in those, and in some places before the traffic men. This intensifies gridlock as well as exposes the passengers, running after those buses to serious hazards.

The number one problem relating to traffic jam, however, lies in plying of vehicles nearly five times higher than the capacity of roads in the metropolis. According to a dependable estimate, the city roads are capable to bear the pressure of 0.15 million automobiles. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has issued licences to about 0.75 million automobiles. In addition, nearly 0.2 million vehicles from outside ply city roads every day. This is another reason for traffic mess. The Dhaka City Corporation has taken a scheme to build two multi-storey car parks, one each in Motijheel and Banani. But these are yet to be operational.

(khalilbdh@gmail.com)

Mirpur-Airport Road flyover cost doubles

The project cost of the 1.8-km Mirpur-Airport Road flyover through the restricted Dhaka Cantonment zone, an overpass and a connecting bridge at Banani rail crossing has doubled.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved the revised Construction of Flyover at Mirpur-Airport Road and Overpass at Banani Rail Crossing project, for which the cost has gone up to Tk 3.6 billion from the original outlay of Tk 1.92 billion.

The approval was given at its meeting held in the NEC conference room in city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, with ECNEC chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The deadline to implement the project has also been extended by one year.

The top economic policymaking body of the government approved a total of seven development projects, including one for the construction of the flyover, Acting Planning Division Secretary Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam told reporters after the meeting.

The army's Special Works Organisation (SWO), and the Roads and Highways Department of the communications ministry took charge of the project last June 2010 with the target of completing it by June 2012.

In the revised project plan, the implementation deadline has been extended by one year. The total project cost be borne by the national exchequer.

Installations from about seven acres of land are being removed and relocated from the restricted Dhaka Cantonment zone to implement the project.

The project cost have been revised due to more space required for two additional lanes dedicated to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, inclusion of a new connecting bridge, increased width and length of the flyover and overpass and the overall increase in the cost of the project work.

The revised project aims to ease the city's nagging traffic jam, ensure signal-free uninterrupted traffic operation, and to reduce road mishaps and development of traffic management at the Banani railway crossing and its neighbouring areas including Army Stadium and Naval Headquarters.

Starting from Matikata, the flyover ends at Radisson Hotel. People using the flyover would not face the cantonment's check posts. At present, the residents of Mirpur and Pallabi have to take a long detour at Bijoy Sarani or Agargaon to go to airport putting extra pressure on the busy Airport Road.

The 0.8-km Banani overpass will have six lanes and a designated road. A link bridge will connect the overpass with the flyover.

News Source:
bdnews24.com

33 double-decker buses to hit Dhaka roads

Dhaka, May 8: In a bid to provide respite to the capital's traffic-strangled commuters, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday handed over the keys of 33 double-decker buses to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) officials. After inaugurating the new buses, Hasina said better communication is essential for better growth. “It is impossible to ensure development if we keep our doors shut,” she added. She stressed the importance of improving road and rail networks.
Hasina said the government wants easy availability of transport for the lower and middle-income groups through the state-owned BRTC. “I want to ensure easy and cost-effective transport for the lower and middle-income group of people,” she added, while handing the keys to the BRTC chairman, MM Iqbal, at a programme at the Prime Minister's Office.
Hasina said she never gave a thought about the plight of rich people in their cars caught in a traffic jam.
The government purchased the double-decker buses from India under a USD 24 million project for buying 290 buses, in a bid to ease transport problems in Dhaka and elsewhere. The funds for the project have been provided under the USD 1 billion line of credit agreement with India signed two years back.
The Prime Minister said the country will import 100 more single-decker and 50 articulated buses from India, while 500 trucks will soon join the BRTC fleet, to ensure smooth transport across the country. She also directed the authorities to take steps to make the state-run transport agency modern and multipurpose service-oriented. “I urge the BRTC authorities to provide better services for the safety of our people," she added. The authorities must investigate mismanagement and plundering of public resources that had taken place during the regime of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance government.
The Prime Minister also underscored the development of rail and river transport, saying that her government would utilise the USD 2 million grant from India to develop road and shipping communications. She said that instead of new roads, the country needs a thorough rehabilitation of its road network. “We need repair, maintenance and rehabilitation of the roads every year,” she added.
Hasina said that drivers should be properly trained, so that they abide by traffic rules to reduce road accidents. She also said the home and communications ministries should work jointly to check road accidents, as such they take a heavy toll on the national economy. She urged the media, especially TV channels, to create public awareness about traffic rules.
On regional connectivity using road networks, She told reporters that discussions are going on to build road communications with India's Shillong and Guwahati and Kathmandu city of Nepal. Such links with neighbouring countries improve businesses, trade and commerce and cooperation in other areas, she noted.
Hasina said the government has taken the initiative to establish a road link from Kunming of China to Dhaka. She stressed the need to keep good relations with neighbours to maintain peace in South Asia.
Referring to donor agencies' pressure to shut the state-run transport agency, Hasina said she has decided not to succumb to pressure for the betterment of the people. "The Awami League always believes in the welfare of the people," she said.
During her previous regime, the government had imported 50 Volvo buses from Sweden. She alleged that those buses went out of order, as the BNP-Jamaat government did not carry out any maintenance and repair work after assuming power in 2001. She also alleged that the BRTC is bearing a loan of Tk. 64 crore, as the four-party BNP alliance government had leased the buses purchased from China and India to its party-men.
Hasina said the AL-led government has been trying to turn the BRTC into a more effective organisation. She asked BRTC officials to take immediate measures to recover its lands from some influential people. She alleged that these people had grabbed BRTC lands during the previous BNP-led government's regime.
Communications Minister Obaidul Quader, communications secretary MN Siddiqui and acting Indian high commissioner Sanjay Bhattacharya also spoke on the occasion.

Source: The Independent

Tk 1b revolving fund for PPP projects likely
→ Asif Showkat

The government has finalised the technical assistance scheme and the guideline for public-private partnership (PPP) including formation of a revolving fund to obtain the desired private investments to make the country a middle income one by 2012.

Besides, it has finalised the technical assistance directives on utilising the PPP viability gap financing (VGF) fund for the projects.

The PPP office at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the PPP cell at the finance ministry had prepared six sections of technical assistance scheme and eight sections of technical financing guidelines with the help of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), said a senior official of the PPP cell under finance ministry.

He also said two proposals of PPP office will be placed at the meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs on May 14. The investment for big infrastructure projects through PPP is yet to start due to complexities in preparing PPP guidelines during the last three years, he added.

Finance secretary Dr Mohammed Tareque sent the proposals to the cabinet committee.

Chief Executive Officer of PPP office Syed Afsar H Uddin told daily sun Thursday that several pilot projects under PPP have started this year. After the technical assistance guidelines are approved, more mega projects under PPP would be implemented, he said, adding private sectors are showing interest to invest in those projects.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister AMA Muhith at a recent marketing summit said the government should require investment of up to 32 per cent of GDP with a substantial volume of FDI (foreign direct investment) and that should come through PPP.

As per finance ministry’s proposal for PPP Technical Assistance financing scheme (PPPTAFS), the PPP office will form a Tk 1 billion PPP Technical Assistance Finance (PPPTAF) revolving fund, which will be operated by PPP office. The concerned authorities will use the fund following the declared guidelines of PPP office.

Under this fund, projects will be approved in principle under the Policy and Strategy for Public-Private Partnership (PPP), 2010. A competitive tender process will be adopted for PPP technical assistance fund in financing, construction and direction of management, according to the proposal.

Strategic priority for sector coverage will be made for implementation organisation of PPP, it said.

According to the proposal, the government will initially grant Tk 1 billion for operating the fund with the provision that the fund money supported for implementing the projects will be repaid after completion of the projects.

The government will allocate more funds to the PPP projects under the fund, sources said. The PPP office of PMO will be able to collect financial assistance from development partners, if necessary, as per the proposal.

Under the PPPTAF guideline, the PPP office will attract more private investment for development of the country’s infrastructure. Risks of the PPP projects will be distributed among private partners through negations by PPP office. PPP office will determine value of money of the PPP projects, according to the guidelines.

An inter-ministerial committee will be formed for approving the PPP projects for proper utilisation of the fund, it said. As per eleven basic principles of the directives, the PPP office will finance non-profitable projects to utilise the PPP viability gap financing (VGF) fund.

The PPP office will provide VGF fund as per equity of private sector, it also said. As per the proposal, the capital grant will be maximum 30 per cent of the total project cost.

VGF fund will be provided in implementing the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects, it said.

As per the VGF principles, the PPP unit of finance ministry will determine the economic rate of retune (ERR) of the PPP project.

Exchange services will be determined by project costs, it also said. As per the proposal, a VGF appraisal committee will be formed to examine the projects. As per the budget for FY 2009-2010, $1.04 billion fund was earmarked for PPP projects, and it projected that a total of $28.06 billion will be required by FY 2013 to implement a number of infrastructure projects.

The mega projects are: Dhaka-Chittagong access control highway ($3.02 billion), Sky-train encompassing Dhaka metropolis ($2.80 billion), Dhaka City subway ($3.10 billion), Dhaka city elevated expressway ($1.23 billion), Dhaka-Narayanganj-Gazipur expressway ($1.90 billion), and 450 megawatt power project ($1.80 billion).

Source: Daily Sun

Govt to hire consultant for Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover
→ Asif Showkat
The government is likely to appoint a consultancy firm next week for the construction of long-awaited Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover.

Local Government Division of the LRGD ministry will place a proposal in this regard at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase next week, project officials said.

The consultancy firm will be responsible for preparing the design and supervising the construction work of the flyover project, scheduled to be finished within 36 months from the start of construction, the proposal said.

A tender evaluation committee has already selected three potential bidders for the project. The bidders include the consortium of SMEC and ACE consultants Ltd, SARM Associates Ltd and Kranti Associates Ltd.

The government will pay Tk 132.5 million as consultancy fee.

Once the consultant is appointed, the local government ministry will fix the date to start the construction work, officials informed.

“The cost of the Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover project has jumped to 7.72 billion recently, which was Tk 4.30 billion in 2006,” said a senior official of the project.

Of the total project cost, Saudi Arabia will provide Tk 3.75 billion through Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and rest of the fund will come from the national exchequer.

As per the proposal, the flyover will be 6.1 kilometre long with two levels having eight lanes each. Initially the plan was to construct a 2.1 kilometre flyover.

The flyover will cover several areas including Satrasta and Rampura, two busy level crossings at Mouchak and Moghbazar and the crowded intersections there. The aim of the project is to make the entire area free of traffic congestion.

After construction of the flyover, motor vehicles will be able to run safely and smoothly, the proposal said.

LGRD Secretary Abu Alam Md Shahid Khan termed the flyover as a long-waited development project to bring maximum benefit to the commuters.

The flyover will start from the Satrasta end in front of BG Press and will stretch up to Syed Nazrul Islam Avenue over the Moghbazar intersection. Four lanes would take a left turn at Moghbazar and would go straight up to Wareless intersection.

From the Kakrail point, the flyover would start in front of the Karnaphuli Market and run up to the Malibagh intersection before taking a left turn to Mouchak intersection where four lanes would head to Moghbazar intersection and another four going towards Rampura taking a right turn. At Moghbazar, this stretch of the flyover would meet the surface road at New Eskaton.

An agreement of Tk 3.75 billion for construction of the flyover was signed between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in Jeddah last year. Finance Minister AMA Muhith, during his visit to Jeddah, signed the deal with Saudi Finance Minister Dr Ibrahim Bin Abdel Aziz Al-Assaf.

Source: Daily Sun

Video explaining Dhaka Gateway (Jatrabari Flyover and connecting roads)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGvCoXH25cU

^^
Have all the flyovers in Dhaka had any real positive impact, thus far?

BRAC launches driving training school
BSS, Dhaka

BRAC, the largest development organization in the world, is going to launch its driving training school in Uttara on Wednesday. Communications and Railways Minister Obaidul Quader will open the most modern driving school near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Haji Camp.
Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Ayubur Rahman Khan, Executive Director of BRAC Dr Mahbub Hossain, and high officials of government and BRAC will attend the programme.
A survey conducted on existing driving training schools in the private sector revealed that the quality of the training, the instructors, and the training aids used, are below acceptable standard.
Only 69 out of some 350 schools have approval from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
According to the World Health Organisation (WTO), road traffic injuries cause a loss of about two percent of GDP in Bangladesh. It is also found in the WHO's survey in 2009 that 170,000 people become handicapped every year due to road accidents.
Considering the dismal state of drivers training in the country, the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) came to the conclusion in a meeting held on September 11, 2011 that the Bangladesh Army, BRAC, and Accident Research Institute of BUET, in joint collaboration with BRTA, will train driving instructors and provide road safety training to in-service drivers.
BRAC engaged Hubert Ebner (India) Pvt Ltd., Delhi-based Indo- Austrian organisation with 30 years experience in driving training and road safety, to prepare training materials and to conduct the training of driving trainers recruited by them.

Source: New Nation

IGS to replace outdated traffic controls
Smooth traffic flow, curbing accidents key targets

http://www.daily-sun.com/admin/news_images/155/thumbnails/image_155_31066.jpg

→ Sajjad Hossain

Coming up IGS for traffic control
Obsolete traffic controls in the capital—sometimes with the use bamboo and rope—will go down as an exhibit in museums when an upcoming new mechanism is put in place.

Dhaka South City Corporation is going to introduce integrated great separator (IGS) arrangement under a newly-conceived scheme, first of its kind in the country, to ensure increased mobility of vehicles.

All intersections on Mirpur Road from Azimpur to Gabtoli will be brought under IGS with a view to ending conventional traffic signals that rather impede vehicular movement and cause gridlock near signal points.

IGS comprises underpass, overpass and U-turn so that traffic waiting for movement does not hamper movement of others, said Sultanul Islam Chowdhury, chief executive officer of DSCC.

“Once the project is implemented, commuters will enjoy round trip from Palashi to Gabtoli. It will also help reduce accidents as hasty traffic access to steady flow of vehicles will shrink,” he told daily sun.

The project will be executed under public-private partnership at an estimated cost of $100 million. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology is the consulting firm for the work.

The PPP cell of the Prime Minister’s Office has already approved the project which now awaits invitation of tenders with an aim to start the work this year to be completed within the government’s tenure.

Md Ashiqur Rahman, superintending engineer of the city corporation, said DSCC has taken up the project to use IGS on Mirpur Road so that commuters can enjoy uninterrupted trip from Palashi to Gabtoli area.

DSCC has taken the project to divert traffic smoothly from the under-construction Mayor Mohammad Hanif Flyover up to Gabtoli.

On the other hand, commuters of Jatrabari area will enjoy smooth journey up to Gabtoli.

Underpass, overpass and U-turn will be used according to the nature of the respective areas, said Ashiqur, also the project director of Mayor Mohammad Hanif Flyover.

“The project got the go-ahead from the PPP cell of the Prime Minister’s Office,” he said, adding that tenders would be invited in the upcoming month to start the project works within this year.

Ashiqur told this correspondent that traffic movement halts at one end and creates gridlock because of having huge traffic signals at intersections.

After introducing underpass, overpass and U-turn at those intersections traffic will move smoothly through IGSs where traffic need not wait for signal or cop whistle to move, the experts hoped.

Source: The Daily Sun

What exactly are they talking about?Are they talking about building an overpass,u-turn loop,and under-pass at every traffic signal from Azimpur to Gabtoli?:nuts: