CHATTOGRAM: The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has sought extension of time for the third time to complete the Elevated Express Way project.
Though around 60 per cent work of the Elevated Express Way project has already been completed, the extension of time is needed for completing the project due to change in the design. The project is likely to be completed in 2024 and the expenditure has increased by around 1200 crore taka, said the sources in CDA.
Sources said the project was scheduled to be completed in 2022, but, the implementing authority has already sent letter recently to extend the time till 2024 and allocate Taka 1200 crore more. If the time is extended, the project is likely to be completed in 2024.
According to the officials of the CDA, objection by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) on its security reason, and traffic congestion issue by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) etc are the prime causes for delay in completing the project. The dilly-dallying and also the price hike of acquired lands are the causes of the increase in expenditure of the project.
Project Director (PD) Engineer Mahafujur Rahman said, "We have changed the design of the Elevated Express Way. The acquisition of more land for new design, construction of toll-plaza, setting up of CCTV camera and delay in construction works for corona and objections raised by CPA and CMP have already been solved recently. We have already sent the proposal to the ministry last month. We are waiting for approval of the time extension proposal now."
Meanwhile, CPA held meeting on February 22 in 2021 last in connection with construction works of Elevated Express Way from Lalkhan Bazar to Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport. The meeting decided that the Elevated Express Way would be built as per the main design with pillars in the middle. No pillar will be constructed in front of the gates of CPA and high fencing will be set up on the Elevated Express Way for safety of Chittagong port and its jetty. As per decision of the meeting, CPA and CMP will coordinate the traffic management during the construction works of Elevated Express Way in port area. Moreover, some other important decisions were also taken by the emergency meeting which removed the obstacles of construction of Elevated Express Way finally.
