Construction of grade separators underpass at 13 important intersections, tunnel, bypass, four inter-district bus terminals and foot over bridge are under consideration in efforts to ease the traffic congestion in the capital.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam told this to the House while replying to lawmakers' queries.

He said project proposals to construct grade separators underpass at Shahbag, Sheraton, Banglamotor and Sonargaon intersections have been prepared. Nine such constructions at different important intersections would follow.

Besides, four inter-district bus terminals would be constructed, he added.

"On approval, it may take 18 months to complete the task, "the minister said.

He said technical assistance proposal to construct a tunnel from Jahangir Gate to Rokeya Sarani and another proposal for a bypass from Mirpur Darus Salam to Kachukhet are at the planning commission for approval.

Asharful said the government has also taken initiatives to build new footpath, foot over bridge, underpass and setting up traffic signals to ease commuters' movement. Major portion of the tasks will

be completed in next two years, he said.

The minister said, under private finance, construction of Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover, major gateway of the city, would require three years for completion.

Public Toilets &Waste "Dhaka City Corporation is running 48 public toilets in the capital but it is inadequate compared to the needs," the LGRD minister said.

Construction of more

toilets could not be possible due to scarcity of space, he added.

In response to another query, the LGRD minister said 3,909 tonnes of waste is being produced every day in the capital city.

He said different types of proposals, both from local and international, to generate power from waste are now under consideration at the ministries of LGRD, power and environment.