The Dhaka Elevated Expressway project has become a symbol of both ambition and frustration in Bangladesh’s pursuit of improved urban infrastructure. The project originally commenced in 2009, was designed to alleviate the severe traffic congestion plaguing the capital. However, after 14 years of delays— mainly stemming from legal argument and financial complication— the future of this crucial infrastructure hangs in the balance. As recent development suggests a potential path forward, it is crucial that all stakeholders act rapidly to ensure the project’s completion.
Originally scheduled for completion by June 2025, projection now indicates that the expressway may not be finished until 2027. Despite significant progress— supposedly 73.5 percent of construction is complete— work has been hindered for over eight months. This standstill followed the much-anticipated opening of the Airport-Tejgaon section in September 2022, which was intended to signify a new era of urban mobility in Dhaka.
Key to the project’s challenges is the Italian-Thai Development Company, the primary contractor, which has met severe financial difficulties. These challenges have led to prolonged legal arguments with Chinese banks over loans that were critical to the project’s financing. Complicating problems further, contractual conditions indicated that if the Italian-Thai Company defaulted on its loans, control of the project would transfer to its Chinese partners, Sinohydro Corporation and Sanyong International. This uncertainty has created indecision among investors and threatened the possibility of the expressway.
However, recent court rulings have offered a spark of hope. The High Court of Bangladesh and the International Arbitration Court in Singapore have made a decision approving the Italian-Thai Company, thereby lifting previous restriction on share transfer. This development has the potential to bolster the project. Project Director AHM Shakhawat Akhtar has expressed optimism that construction could resume as early as November, signaling a renewed commitment to overcoming the hurdles that have plagued the project.
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway is more than an
infrastructure project; it is an important factor in
the vision for sustainable urban
development in Bangladesh
Significance of the expressway cannot be overstated. Designed to initially accommodate 20,000 vehicles daily, that number has more than doubled as traffic conditions in the city have deteriorated. This project is crucial for easing congestion and for enhancing economic activity and connectivity across the capital. As a public-private partnership, the expressway embodies a collaborative effort that is vital for urban development.
Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge the environmental concern associated with such massive infrastructure projects. Urban planner Adil Muhammad Khan has indicated the adverse impact on the local ecosystem, with the destruction of green spaces such as Panthakunja Park and environmental degradation around Hatirjheel. If the project is not completed promptly, the expected benefits of reduced congestion could be overshadowed by the long-term environmental cost.
Financially, the current delays have significant implications. The government, which holds a 27 percent stake in the project, is incurring losses due to halted construction. The Exim Bank, a source of funding, has paused loan disbursement, further complicating problems. Recent favourable court rulings provide an opportunity for these financial flows to resume, a vital step towards advancing the remaining phases of the expressway.
In light of these complexities, it is essential for all stakeholders— government officials, financial institutions and construction companies— to prioritise the resumption and completion of the expressway. With an estimated total of Tk 8.940 crore already invested, protecting this investment is necessary for the country’s infrastructure future.
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway is more than an infrastructure project; it is an important factor in the vision for sustainable urban development in Bangladesh. As we stand at this pivotal moment, a collaborative commitment to overcoming past challenges and realising the project’s full potential is essential. Immediate action is not merely needed; it is essential to transform this ambitious vision into a reality that will advantage the citizens of Dhaka for generations to come.
