infrastructure
FDC ramp of Dhaka Elevated Expressway opens to traffic, Quader calls it ‘PM’s Eid gift’
The exit ramp of Dhaka Elevated Expressway's Karwan Bazar section, in front of FDC, opened to traffic on Wednesday (March 20, 2024).
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader formally opened the ramp in the morning.
With this, 16 ramps of the Elevated Expressway have been opened so far.
On September 3 last year, the 11.5 km Airport-Farmgate stretch of Dhaka Elevated Expressway was opened to traffic and today the FDC gate ramp was opened. “This is an Eid gift from the Prime Minister for the people,” Quader said.
“We will be able to fully open it by the beginning of next year. Hatirjheel ramp will be opened and progress is on following that direction,” he added.
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Asked about the increased traffic congestion in Dhaka during the month of Ramadan, the minister said, “People go to shopping malls during Ramadan and there will be some traffic jam. However, there is no traffic jam from Uttara to Motijheel. People can easily reach their destinations.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on September 2, 2023 inaugurated the Airport-Farmgate segment of Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
The total length of the expressway is 19.73 km and people can enter and exit the expressway through ramps in 31 points.
The project director said 72.51 percent work of the expressway has been completed and the work at Hatirjheel and Panthakunja points is underway.
2 killed in separate accidents in Sylhet and Chandpur
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project was undertaken in 2011. On December 15, 2013, Bangladesh Bridge Authority signed a revised agreement with First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Limited, the investment company of the project.
No concrete bridge for 20,000 inhabitants in Feni, Noakhali for over 22 years
About 20,000 residents of Sonagazi upazila of Feni and Companiganj upazila of Noakhali district are in distress as no concrete bridge has been constructed over the Chhoto Feni River at Kazirhat since it collapsed 22 years back.
The bridge, collapsed in 2002 due to high tide, was the only mean of crossing it for the people of two upazilas of Feni and Noakhali districts.
Despite promises from public representatives and political leaders, the bridge has not been built even after 22 years.
Sources said a Regulator-cum-bridge with 20 gates was built over the Chhoto Feni River in 1961-62 at Kazirhat in Sonagazi upazila during Pakistan era to protect the coastal areas of the district from tidal surge.
Read more: Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) got the task of management and repair work of the regulator.
WAPDA conducted maintenance work till 1970 and later it was renamed as Water Development Board.
Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (February 13, 2024) put emphasis on the rural development along with building infrastructure.
“I think besides the infrastructural development we also need the overall development of the rural areas,” she told the ECNEC meeting at NEC conference room in Agargaon.
She asked authorities concerned to quickly finish the development projects which are being delayed due to allocation of small funds.
“I will ask the cabinet secretary to convey this to all secretaries in different ministries so such projects are completed quickly,” she said.
Read: Ecnec nods 44 projects worth Tk 39,094 crore
She said with the finishing these projects it would be easy for the government to take up new development programmes.
She also said that deadline of some development projects have been increased, but hose also have to be completed very soon.
“Because, if that remains unfinished costs of the projects will increase unnecessarily and it also kills time. Make sure that this is done,” she said.
Hasina said that for the socioeconomic development of the country the government must take development projects.
In this regard, she asked all to remain cautious while taking any kind of development projects so that the government could attain its goal.
Read: Ecnec approves 19 projects to cost Tk 18,067 crore
She mentioned that due to global condition the countryis having some pressure on economy. Otherwise the country was moving fast towards prosperity.
“The growth was increasing, development was expediting, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the whole world came to a standstill, and when the whole world started to move from that situation, it was hit by the Ukraine-Russia war followed by sanctions, counter-sanctions,” she said.
She also mentioned that the world is bracing for another phase of instability after Israeli troops launched heinous attacks on the innocent people in Palestine.
“As a result, the cost and time of transportation has increased manifold," she said.
She said that due to these external factors the pressure is on in Bangladesh.
Read more: Ecnec nods setting up 50 technical training centres
The prime minister said she has requested all to utilise every inch of arable land of the country for production of food grains.
“And it has given us better results,” she said.
Dhaka Elevated Expressway to be completed in 2024, says Obaidul Quader
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s infrastructure, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 16, 2024) announced that the construction of Dhaka Elevated Expressway is set to be completed within this year. This statement was made during a press briefing at the Setu Bhaban earlier today, signaling a major stride in the country’s infrastructure network.
Minister Quader informed that 50% of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway’s construction work has already been completed. With traffic flow already operational from the Dhaka Airport to Farmgate, the project is progressing swiftly. The remaining construction work is anticipated to be finished by 2024.
1 dead as bus, car collide on Dhaka Elevated Expressway
In an impressive revelation about the Padma Bridge, Minister Quader stated that it is generating a daily toll revenue of Tk 2 crore. The total toll collection so far has reached a substantial amount of Tk 1,252 crore. This income stream signifies the bridge’s crucial role in the nation’s economic activities.
Furthermore, Quader expressed optimism regarding the completion of the BRTA project in Gazipur by June of this year, marking another milestone in enhancing Bangladesh’s transportation infrastructure.
Responding to queries from journalists, the General Secretary of Awami League addressed political rhetoric, criticizing BNP leaders for their “nonsensical” statements. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the government’s efforts in national development instead of harboring envy over the country’s prosperity.
Earlier in the day, Minister Quader engaged in discussions with officials of the Bridge Building and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority. He reviewed the progress of various projects, reflecting the government’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure development across the country.
PM Hasina to open 3 mega projects inc. Elevated Expressway in Ctg tomorrow
Boosting Dhaka’s connectivity: Japan funding for Hazrat Shahjalal Airport’s major upgrade
In a significant development for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, the country and Japan today signed the exchange of notes of the 44th Official Development Assistance (ODA) yen loan. This crucial funding, amounting to 76,635 million yen (approximately USD 540 million), is earmarked for the expansion of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA).
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The installment will be used for constructing Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third International Passenger Terminal, a Cargo Terminal, and associated facilities.
The agreement was formalized by Iwama Kiminori, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance. This latest installment brings the total of the 44th round of yen loans to a substantial 324,191 million yen (around USD 2.21 billion).
A corresponding loan agreement was signed by Yoshida Hiroshi, Senior Representative of JICA's Bangladesh Office, and Shariar Siddiky, emphasizing the commitment to meet the growing aviation demands, enhance airport capacity, improve accessibility, and bolster security. This expansion is anticipated to significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at the recent soft opening of Dhaka Airport’s Third Terminal, highlighted the importance of Japanese companies’ involvement in this grand project. Ongoing intensive discussions between the Japanese consortium and airport authorities reinforce Japan’s commitment to fostering Bangladesh’s development through this strategic partnership, aiming for mutual prosperity.
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The 44th ODA loan package specifically targets the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project (Phase III). The terms include an interest rate of 1.30% per annum, with a repayment period of 20 years following a grace period of 10 years, as outlined by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing Dhaka’s status as a key aviation hub in the region.
Burimari Land Port expansion: A step towards enhanced trade and services
The government of Bangladesh has launched an initiative to expand the Burimari Land Port, aiming to enhance services for passport holders and boost trade efficiency. This move involves the acquisition of 60.89 acres to develop the port’s infrastructure, signaling a significant step in its expansion.
The local administration has already begun the land acquisition process for a project named ‘Expansion and Passenger Terminal Development of the Land Port’. Once completed, this project promises to transform the land port into a state-of-the-art facility.
This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to increase export-import activities with neighboring countries, particularly India. It is anticipated that the expanded infrastructure will significantly elevate the port’s capabilities, facilitating increased trade between Bangladesh, India, and other neighboring nations.
‘Burimari Express’ to be inaugurated by PM on Dec 1
The port, currently spanning 11.15 acres, has been operating at full capacity since its inception. Its existing infrastructure includes an academic building, three digital weigh bridges, a fire hydrant system, a workers’ shed, storage sheds of various capacities, transhipment areas, and open yards.
Deputy Commissioner of Burimari Customs, Abdul Alim, highlighted that the project’s completion will not only bring socio-economic benefits to the area but also generate employment opportunities, reducing challenges faced by passport holders and traders.
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State Minister for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud, projected the establishment of a world-class land port in Lalmonirhat within three years. Additionally, Md Gias, assistant director of Burimari Port, emphasized the modernization’s role in streamlining passenger and port operations, which is expected to enhance revenue generation and combat irregularities and smuggling activities.
EC to announce polls schedule in a couple of days: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the next national election is drawing nearer and the Election Commission is likely to announce the polls schedule in a day or two.
“Since we’ve been able to establish the voting rights of the people, they will cast their votes freely,” she said in a confident voice.
The premier was speaking at a function marking the inauguration of 10,041 infrastructures (Involving the total cost of nearly Tk 100,000 crore) throughout the country under 157 projects of 24 ministries and divisions through a virtual platform from her official residence Ganabhaban.
The beneficiaries were connected to the event virtually from a total of 101 places, including 64 DC offices throughout the country. The total estimated cost of the projects is Tk 97,471 crore.
Noting that Bangladesh has gained the status of a developing country, she said the continuation of the government is essential to sustain this momentum.
Without mentioning BNP she took a swipe at the opposition party saying it doesn't want to join the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections, fearing its performance could be as bad as in the 2008 polls.
In the 2008 election, Awami League gained a landslide victory with 233 seats out of 300 constituencies, while BNP won only 30 seats.
“Those who secured only 30 seats will have no desire to run the election. They are attempting to invite sufferings for the people of Bangladesh creating an abnormal situation by foiling the election,” she said, not mentioning the name of BNP. In 2008 vote BNP secured 29 seats and later added another in a bye-election.
Read: Bangladesh will surely overcome arson violence: PM Hasina
She said AL also won the 2014 election overcoming arson violence and attempts to foil the vote.
We’ve come (to power) being elected by the people time and again. Awami League never formed the government by any other means but the democratic way.
All the electoral reforms – from enactment of a law over constitution of election commission to introduction of transparent ballot boxes— were done following Awami League’s proposals only to ensure the people’s voting rights.
PM Hasina said her government started the development of Bangladesh from the grassroots level so that the people can enjoy urban facilities even staying in villages.
Read: PM Hasina opens Southeast Asia’s largest urea fertiliser factory in Narsingdi
The PM said the blockade programme and arson violence has been launched when the people are living in peace and the country witnessing its rapid progress.
The normal life of the people and the academic activities of the students particularly those who are sitting for the annual examinations are hampered due to the arson violence, she said.
Hasina said her government has increased the literacy rate to 76.6 percent now from only 45 percent during the BNP government of 2001-6.
She wished that good sense would prevail upon them and they would stop this destruction and arson violence.
The prime minister, however, asked the countrymen to resist this arson violence for the sake of protecting their own lives and assets.
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Among the infrastructures, the prime minister unveiled foundation stones of or opened 4,644 infrastructures under different projects as well as distributed 5,397 houses, constructed under Ashrayan-2 project at 132 upazilas in 46 districts, among landless and homeless families across the country.
At the event, the PM declared more 11 districts and 60 upazilas as landless and homeless-free units following the distribution of the Ashrayan houses on Tuesday.
A total of 32 districts and 394 upazilas have so far become landless and homeless family-free ones.
The 4,644 infrastructures include 2023 Government Primary School Bhabans, 1800 Madrasha Bhaban, 299 Academic Bhaban and 40 Administrative Bhaban under Technical and Madrasha Education Division, 952 Academic cum Research Bhaban under Secondary and Higher Education Division, 12 student dormitory Bhaban, 222 disaster management centres, 128 chief judicial magistrate Bhaban, sub-register office Bhaban in 46 districts, 110 flood shelter centres, 25 Mujib Killa, 20 bridges, 22 complexes under the Social Welfare Ministry, 34 Bhaban under the Health Services Division, 7 student mess, 16 dormitories, 23 ICU, 79 community clinic, 46 Medical College Bhaban, 24 Nursing College Bhaban, tennis infrastructural development in 25 districts, 13 Kriya (Sports) School Bhaban, 26 BKSP Training Centre, 20 child daycare centres, 38 SPM with double pipelines, constructions of 10 gas pipelines, installment of 26 refining units , 24 mine digging, 140 gas plant purchase and installment, construction of 33 pipelines, 18 infrastructures of Sheikh Hasina Textile Engineering College, 11 Textile Institute infrastructures, 40 technical training centre and 14 Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre Bhaban.
PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah conducted the event.
Bangabandhu Tunnel: Tk 25 lakh toll collected on first weekly holiday since opening
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram earned Tk 25 lakh toll on the first weekly holiday since its opening, as some 7,000 vehicles went through it from 8 am to 8 pm on Friday (November 03, 2023).
Tanvir Rifat, assistant engineer (toll and traffic) of the tunnel, shared the information with UNB.
The pressure of vehicles was high on the first weekly holiday since the tunnel had opened as thousands of commuters thronged it — causing traffic congestion on both sides, he said.Vehicles took 30 to 45 minutes to cross the tunnel instead of the usual 3.5 minutes due to the heavy traffic.
Belayet Hossain, toll manager of the tunnel, said the high number of commuters in vehicles contributed to the traffic gridlock on Friday.
Read: Bangabandhu Tunnel: Tk 7.1 lakh toll collected on 2nd day
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first underwater tunnel on October 28.
Tk 12,13,300 was collected as toll, as 5,429 vehicles used the tunnel on the first day it opened to traffic (October 29).
On the second day, some 3,205 vehicles went through the tunnel and Tk 7.1 lakh was collected as toll.
The tunnel opened for vehicular movement at 6 am on October 29. Traffic movement remained low due to the ongoing countrywide hartal called by the opposition parties on Sunday.
Read: Tk 1.48 lakh toll collected in 7 hours since Bangabandhu Tunnel opened
As many as 14 boxes were set up at Anwara end to collect the toll.
A total of 12 categories of vehicles will be able to go through the Bangabandhu Tunnel.
The minimum toll for traffic movement in the tunnel has been set at Tk 200, and the maximum is Tk 1,000. Motorcycles or three-wheelers will not be allowed in the Bangabandhu Tunnel.
Read more: Bangabandhu Tunnel opens for traffic
Dhaka Metro Rail's Agargaon-Motijheel part to be opened by PM on Nov 4
Dhaka Metro Rail's Agargaon to Motijheel part will be opened to public on November 5, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate it on November 4, metro rail authorities said today (November 01, 2023).
Initially, metro rail on Agargaon-Motijheel section will operate for four hours with three stations: Farmegate, Bangladesh Secretariat and Motijheel. Rest of the stations will be opened in phases, said M.A.N. Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), while talking to reporters today at Probashi Kallyan Bhaban.
Inauguration of Agargaon- Motijheel section of Metro Rail postponed again; next date Nov 4
The prime minister is likely to inaugurate the movement of the train and will travel to Motijheel by metro rail on the inauguration day.
She is expected to inaugurate the construction work of the MRT Northern route too, he said.
Dhaka Metro Rail service to remain shut on Oct 14, 15
Dhaka commuters can travel from Agargaon to Motijheel between 7:30 am and 11:30 am from November 5.
Inauguration of Agargaon- Motijheel section of Metro Rail postponed to Oct 29
Hasina and Modi jointly inaugurate rail connectivity and power projects
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly opened the newly constructed Akhaura-Agartala Dual Gauge Railway Link Project, setting a significant milestone in cross-border connectivity.
The important rail connection would contribute to boosting trade, business and tourism between the two neighbouring countries.The 12.24-km rail connection has linked Gangasagar Railway Station at Akhaura in Brahmanbaria to Nischintapur Railway Station at Agartala in India, connecting the northeastern region of India and Bangladesh.
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The railway link, with 6.78 km in Bangladesh’s part, was constructed under a joint venture of Bangladesh and India. The Akhaura (Bangladesh)-Agartala (India) railway line construction started in July 2018.
The two prime ministers unveiled the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, joining an event from Ganabhaban in Dhaka and New Delhi through a virtual platform.
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The two PMs also inaugurated two other Indian-aided projects --Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Construction Project and Unit-2 of Rampal Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat.
The 65-km railway from Khulna to Mongla port in Bagerhat would streamline goods transportation to the port. This railway will help transport Mongla port goods affordably within the country and support trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, contributing to regional economic growth. The Khulna-Mongla railway project began in September 2016.
The second unit of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant Rampal would add 660 megawatt electricity to the national grid.
The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant-2 and the 65-kilometre Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Link have been implemented under the Indian LoC (Line of Credit) while the Akhaura (Bangladesh) and Agartala (India) Railway Link with Indian grants.
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The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, known as Rampal thermal power plant, with a total capacity of 1,320 MW in two units was implemented under a joint venture of the two neighbouring countries.