The project, estimated at cost of 175.53 billion taka (1.72 billion U.S. dollars) will enable quick entry and exit of vehicles to and from Dhaka…reports Asian Lite News
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday virtually inaugurated the construction of a China-funded elevated expressway project.
she opened the construction work virtually for the 24-km Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway from her official residence, Xinhua reported.
The project, estimated at cost of 175.53 billion taka (1.72 billion U.S. dollars) will enable quick entry and exit of vehicles to and from Dhaka and facilitate transit trade with regional countries.
“The project will improve the transportation infrastructure of Bangladesh and promote its vital role in regional connectivity,” Xinhua quoted Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming as saying.
It echoes the purpose of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote infrastructural connectivity, and stands as another example of how Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 plan and the BRI integrate and benefit the peoples of both countries.
According to the Xinhua reports, Bangladesh has already signed a deals with the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) to build the elevated expressway from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to Ashuli.
The project will be implemented with Chinese financial assistance on a government-to-government basis.
The plans for improving 14.28 km of existing road and constructing toll stations, exit and entry ramps and other ancillary works have also been included in the elevated expressway project, which will be implemented in five years.
Upon completion, it will allow 40 million people from 30 districts in the country to enter and exit Dhaka quickly and easily, Xinhua reported.