Banani flyover-overpass cost may double on changes

The cost of Tk 1.93 billion Banani flyover-overpass project is likely to double owing to bringing considerable changes in its design, as experts apprehend the present one may worsen traffic congestion on the Airport Road corridor.

Experts have found weaknesses in the first design like the absence of acceptable traffic count for the next 10 to 15 years, adjustment with upcoming transport projects and the existing road design. They suggested inclusion of some new provisions in it.

They said the Banani flyover and overpass has been planned without taking into account the signals and right turnings of the busy highways as these are considered major reasons for the failure of the city's existing flyovers to lessen traffic jam.

"We have at the moment Mohakhali or Tongi overpasses like bridges, which were expected to be helpful in lessening traffic gridlocks significantly. But all these overpasses are now held responsible for aggravating the jams as they have not considered up-and-down points by avoiding signals and right turnings," said Shamsul Haque, Professor of Transportation Engineering Division of Civil Engineering Department at BUET.

BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology) in a study shows that at least 20 signal points and right turnings from Shahjalal International Airport to Shahbagh increase the traffic jam and tailback of motorised vehicles on the entire corridor.