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Hop over Mohakhali snarl-up

PM opens first flyover; promises many more structures, underground railway

Rezaul Karim
Bangladesh yesterday entered a new era of communication with the opening Of country's first flyover at Mohakhali in the capital, a vital step towards easing the city's traffic congestion.
"Flyover once was a drcam and is now a reality...A long-felt need is fulfilled today," said Prime Minister Khaleda Zia before opening the huge overpass to traffic.
Unveiling a long-term master plan on transportation for the capital that includes construction of more flyovers and an underground railway system, the prime minister said Mohakhali flyover was part of that plan aiming to free the city from traffic congestion.
After the opening function, the prime minister travelled across the colourfully decorated 1.12 km long and 17.9 metre wide flyover in a motorcade. As soon the motorcade left the place, a jubilant crowd raced up the overpass, although pedestrians will not be allowed to use it
In 2001, Khaleda laid the foundation of the flyover, which was constructed by a Chinese firm at a cost ofTk 113 crore with the financial assistance of the World Bank. The flyover with four lanes has 42 shock-transmission units to prevent damage by earthquake.
The prime minister said the construction of Khilgaon flyover is in progress and there are plans to build some more flyovers in the city’s most congested areas including Jatrabari.
'We want to build a modem Dhaka City with congestion-free roads and improved, safe transportation system," she (old the function at the west ramp of the flyover.
Khaleda however expressed the apprehension that the opening of the Mohakhali flyover would cause traffic congestion in some other nearby locations. .
Expressing similar apprehension, Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman, Dhaka City Corporation Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka and State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Quamrul Islam suggested construction of a one-kilometre underpass through the Dhaka Cantonment area.
They also suggested removal of railway lines and relocation of stations, including Kamlapur Railway Station, out of the capital and construction of a road on the rail line.
”1 am ready to mobilise necessary funds to relocate the Kamlapur station either at Tongi or Joydevpur," Saifur said and asked the communications ministry to start the process of relocation and construction of underpass from this year.
The prime minister however said shifting of railway lines, level crossings and bus terminals, widening of roads and construction of bypass and underpasses should be done in phases.
Outlining the steps taken to reduce the traffic congestion, Khaleda said the city could be freed from congestion by allowing only fast moving vehicles. "But we cannot evict all slow-moving vehicles overnight because it involves livelihood ofhuge number of families."
"We also need to discourage small vehicles and increase the number of bigger size public transports but such a plan cannot be implemented in a short period of time."
Khaleda said the flyover would reduce long queues at Mohakhali level crossing. "This will save travel time. Travelling to and from Zia International Airport will also be easier."
Khaleda said her government always attaches priority to the improvement of communication system and most of the new roads, bridges and railway lines were constructed in the independent Bangladesh during the BNP periods.
"Vfe have constructed the Jamuna Bridge, which was the century-old dream of the nation. Wj are continuing the process and have completed construction of important roads and bridges in the last three years. More plans will be implemented in next two years."
Khaleda said her government Is not only improving the communication system but also trying its best to streamline and expedite the pace of development in every sector, but this need a conducive atmosphere, peace, stability and security.
"We are working with sincerity to ensure peace and security in public life through pragmatic and tougher steps that have already improved the situa-tionro a great extent, "she said
Communications Minister Nazmul Huda, State Minister for Communications Salahuddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Communications Syed Manzur Hossain, World Bank Country Director Christine I Wallich, and Communications Secretary Shafiqul Islam also spoke at the function.