The government plans to construct another elevated expressway to ease traffic congestion in and around the capital.
Bangladesh Bridges Authority has prepared a draft Preliminary Development Project Proposal (PDPP) to this end with an estimated cost of around $ 2.05 billion.
A feasibility study has already been completed for the East West Elevated Expressway Project as per the target of the 7th Five Year Plan.
The project work is expected to kick off in January 2018 and end by December 2024.
The route alignment of the proposed expressway is Hemayetpur-Nimtoli- Keraniganj-Ekuria-Janzira-Fatullah-Hajiganj Bandar-Modonpur (on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.
A Bridges Division official said the interchanges of the expressway are proposed at Hemayetpur, Dhaka-Mawa Highway, Narayanganj and Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.
"The main objective of the 39.24-km long East-West Elevated Expressway Project is to reduce traffic congestions in and around Dhaka city," said the official.
After completion of the project, traffic movement from eastern and south-western region to the 20 north-western districts will be easier without entering Dhaka city.
The proposed expressway will be associated with the construction of a 2.5 kilometer-long flyover through Savar on Dhaka Highway.
According to UNB, the project will allow traffic to travel around the western area of Dhaka from Dhaka-Chittagong Highway avoiding traffic congestions in and around the capital.
The project is consistent with the Strategic Transport Plan (2016-2035) and the Asian Highway Network.
It will be vital for establishing an improved transport link to the Trans Asian Highways.
"An integral part of the project is its connection to the upgraded Dhaka-Mawa Highway and hence the Padma Bridge," said the official.