Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is set to install escalators in 15 footbridges at key points under its 'Infrastructure Development and Road Safety' project by mid-2022, an official said.
A senior official of traffic engineering circle of DNCC also said to this end, they have sent a development project proforma to the Planning Commission for approval.
The duration of the project, involving Tk 3.50 billion, has been fixed from January 2020 to June 2022.
However, DNCC will soon set up the third escalator in Abrar footbridge in front of Jamuna Future Park in the city. DNCC officials visited elevator company Schindler in Switzerland last month.
Each pair of escalators will cost Tk 25 million, DNCC source said. The company will ship the escalators on November 22 this year.
At present, there are escalators in two footbridges-airport and Banani.
There are a total of 57 footbridges in DNCC area of which 50 belong to the corporation and seven others owned by some organisations.
Talking to the FE, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said there is instruction from the prime minister to install escalators in footbridges phase-wise to make the use of those bridges easier for disabled, sick and elderly persons.
"We will put in escalators on both sides for both riding and getting down under a project. Primarily, we will set up escalators in footbridges at major points with our own money," said Mr Atiq.
He added: "Once practice starts and people get familiar with its use, the rest of the footbridges including those of other organisations will come under the project."
The mayor also said the escalators will be installed in phases as those are very expensive. A separate mechanical division will be established for proper management and maintenance of the escalators.
When asked his opinion, planner Ariful Islam Tushar told the FE that one of the major reasons for failure to encourage the people to use footbridges is lack of security. But problem can be solved if a large number of people start using them.
Due to complicated traffic management and lack of pedestrian signalling system, he also said, people should be encouraged to cross the roads by footbridges rather than using the roads to avoid traffic congestion.
The use of the two footbridges with escalators has increased significantly, he added.
Considering weak management and maintenance in every case here, Mr Arif stressed the need for establishing a separate department for management and maintenance of electromechanical devices like escalators.
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