Transportation acts like vain of development process. A nation cannot reach
its prospected development goals without free and uninterrupted flow of goods
and services. Civilization flourished relying on easy and affordable
transportation means. Many nations have devised many ingenious ways in
overcoming traffic congestion and free expressway is one of them. 55 Kilometer
long Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway or Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Expressway
is the first expressway in our country inaugurated in March 2020. Since then
we saw a revolution in expressway transportation. This paper will define
expressway briefly and give a picture of expressway projects of Bangladesh.
Expressway :
An expressway is a high-speed, controlled-access road designed for rapid
traffic flow. It’s a type of highway characterized by features that allow
faster and more efficient transportation compared to regular roads.
Here are some key characteristics of an expressway :
- Limited Access : Access to an expressway is typically controlled, meaning that is has designated entry and exit points. There points are usually in the farm of ramps or interchanges.
- No At-Grade Crossings : Unlike regular road, an expressway does not have intersections or crossroads at the same leave as the road. Instead, then use ramps or overpasses for access and exit.
- Higher Speed Limits : Expressways often have higher speed limits compared to local roads.
- Divided Lanes : An expressway usually has separate lanes for traffic going in opposite directions, with some form of a barrier (like a median) between them.
- Designed for Long-Distance Travel : Expressways are intended for long-distance travel between cities or major destinations. They are designed to facilitate efficient, high-speed transportation.
- Safety Features : They offen have safety features like guardrails, lighting, and improved signage to enhance driver safety.
Higher Capacity :
Expressways are built to handle a large volume of traffic compared to local
roads.
On the other hand, an elevated expressway is a type of highway or roadway that
is built above the ground on elevated supports, such as pillars or columns.
Elevated expressways are typically constructed in densely populated urban
areas or in places where there are geographical constraints like rivers,
lakes, or hills. They are often used to alleviate traffic congestion by
providing an uninterrupted, high-speed route through congested areas.
History of Expressway :
In 1924 Italy began the construction of toll motor highways, or autostrade
which totaled 515km in length. The first true express highways, the autobahns,
were built in Germany by the Nazi regime for both economic and military
purposes. Then Netherland and USA followed in building expressways for
convenient transportation. A first elevated railway in the late 19th century
was built in New York City. Then The Miller Highway, named after its chief
proponent, Borough President Julius Miller, was constructed in New York in
1937, and became the world’s first elevated highway. Then Boston’s Central
Artery and the Pulaski Skyway, and Moses’ own Gowanus Parkway were built
shortly after.
Expressway in Bangladesh :
As a consequence of emerging economy lots of industries and factories are
built in Bangladesh centering the city areas. Dhaka has been ranked as the
slowest city in the top ten. Evaluating this emerging situation government
realized the necessity of free and fast passage for vehicles and launched some
projects of building expressways. In the following those projects have been
mentioned briefly.
Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway :
The Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway Project (DAEEP) is envisaged to be a
part of Asian Highway route in Bangladesh. The Project was approved by the
Executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on 24 October
2017. An integral part of the project is connection to the 19.7 km long Dhaka
Elevated Expressway Project (DEEP). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 12
November 2022 laid the foundation stone for the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated
Expressway Project (DAEEP), Officially beginning the construction phase of the
mega project, 40 million people in 30 districts will benefit once it is
completed in 2026.
Purbachal Expressway :
Purbachal Expressway or Sheikh Hasina Avenue connects the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway
with the capital. There are no traffic signals on the 12.5 km expressway,
which has up to 14 lanes. A 5.54 km stretch of the 12.5 km expressway, from
the capital’s Kuril area to the Balu River, is constructed with 14 lanes. Of
these 14 lanes, eight are part of the main expressway, while the remaining six
lanes are service roads for the movement of local vehicles. 6.76 km stretch
from Balu river to kanchon has 12 lanes. To preclude waterlogging wide canals
are dug on both sides. There are also 13 arched bridges, like the ones in
Hatirjheel.
Length : 12.5 km
Approved by ECNEC : 22 September 2015
Being constructed by : The Bangladesh Army’s 24 Engineer Construction
Brigade
Estimated cost : The overall cost is Tk 103.30 billion (10,330 Crore)
including the cost of additional canals roads and bridges.
Chittagong Elevated Expressway :
Chittagong Elevated Expressway or Mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury Expressway is
Bangladesh’s second elevated expressway project, which will connect the Shah
Amanat Airport with Lalkhan Bazaar. On 14 November 2023 a section from Patenga
to Tigerpas was inaugurated for public transportation. Construction of 14
ramps and remaining Tigerpass-Lalkhan Bazar Section is continuing. The
Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) took up this project. The project is
initiated in January 2018. The aim is to improve connectivity between
Chattogram city and south Chattogram districts.
Length : 16 km long (28.5 km with the connecting ramps)
Width : 16.5 meters
Cost : Initial budget was Tk3,250 crore, but later revised to Tk4,298
crore
Approved by ECNEC : 11 July 2017.
Conclusion :
The idea of expressway has revolutionized transportation system. In modern
city life expressways are inseparable part in enhancing beauty and comfort to
the inhabitant. World most advanced cities are now decorated with
sophisticated expressway network hat not only bring ease in city life but
create more aesthetic value.