Road Transport and Bridges Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rauf has directed authorities and contractors to complete the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway project on time while maintaining the highest construction standards.
He gave the directive at a high-level review meeting held at the Bridge Division conference room on Thursday to assess the project's overall progress, implementation challenges and future action plans.
The meeting reviewed the physical and financial progress of different project packages, the current field-level situation, targets and upcoming activities. The secretary stressed accelerating construction and resolving emerging challenges through coordinated efforts among all stakeholders.
Rauf said the mega project, once completed, would significantly improve road connectivity between Dhaka and the country's northern and western regions. It is also expected to improve access to Savar, Ashulia, Baipayl and the EPZ area and contribute substantially to reducing traffic congestion.
He said the project's connection with the Dhaka Elevated Expressway would further enhance its role in easing congestion in the capital.
The secretary instructed the contractors to ensure both quality and timely completion of the project. He also directed officials to ensure smooth movement of the public through adequate traffic management, proper signage and improved safety barriers in construction areas.
The meeting also decided to expedite land acquisition for the remaining sections of the project and strengthen coordination with utility service providers to relocate underground pipelines, electricity, gas and telecommunications lines as quickly as possible.
Regular joint site visits and monthly coordination meetings involving the project steering committee, consultants and contractors were also recommended to continuously monitor construction quality and progress.
Senior officials from the Bridge Division and Bangladesh Bridge Authority, the project director, consultants and representatives of local and foreign contracting firms attended the meeting.
At the conclusion, the secretary provided specific guidelines for resolving key project challenges and directed the concerned parties to ensure completion of the project by June 2028.
