Moves have been taken to construct several underpasses in the city at the fag end of the government's tenure amid criticism of mismatch in the traffic planning decisions.
Sources said the initiative to construct such tunnels at different points was taken after different authorities concerned came up with such a proposal, aiming to improve the traffic system.
Transport experts, however, suggested carrying out a proper study before embarking on such a project.
There are already several mass transit projects such as metro rails and dedicated bus services under the 20-year transport plan named strategic transport plan (STP), they said.
Officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges (MoRTB) said they have already taken initiatives to execute the plan for construction of underpasses-one connecting the Jatiya Sangsad with the residential buildings for the members of parliament, another one for facilitating the entry of hajj pilgrims to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from the Haji camp and the third one near Kurmitola General Hospital at the Airport Road for pedestrians.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the overpass construction project at the Airport Road on August 12, which will facilitate students and patients to cross the busy road safely.
This project was taken up soon after a tragic road accident on July 29 in which two students of Shaheed Ramizuddin Cantonment School and College were killed by a running bus.
The tunnel at the Airport Road will be 53-metre long and 3.5-metre wide.
The officials said the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has already started studying the possibility of constructing the tunnel under Manik Mia Avenue, which will connect the Jatiya Sangsad with the residential buildings for MPs.
Though the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad recommended that the Roads and Highways Department carry out the construction work to fulfil the desire of the Prime Minister, ministry officials have initially found that the investment would not be feasible, sources said.
It might also narrow the scope for the construction of metro rails, they added. Transport expert Prof Shamsul Haque said investment in any transport project must be justified by the demand and its contribution to easing traffic congestion.
It also must not conflict with the projects under the Strategic Transport Plan, he added. The cost of the Airport Road tunnel has been estimated at Tk 490 million.
The MoRTB is yet to estimate the cost of two other underpasses, but officials said the amount would not be less than Tk 1.0 billion for each of them, as it has been proposed that moving walkways be installed along with normal walking facility in the tunnel.
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