CHATTOGRAM, Jan 01: The Mohiuddin Chowdhury Elevated Expressway, the longest elevated expressway in the country, is set to be partially opened for traffic this month (January) after being officially inaugurated in November 2023 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina via video conference.
The opening of the expressway is expected to improve communication in the port city by facilitating access to the Bangabandhu Tunnel and reducing traffic congestion.
Additionally, it will boost economic activities by improving connectivity between the Chittagong sea port and the Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport, according to development experts.
Originally scheduled for completion in 2022, the project has experienced delays, and the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has requested an extension until 2024 with an increased budget of Tk 12 billion.
Currently, 92 per cent of the project from Lalkhan Bazar to the International Airport has been completed.
Project Director Mahfuzur Rahman stated that the expressway, which is being constructed at a cost of Tk 42.98 billion, is expected to be fully completed by June 2024.
The Tiger-pass section from the airport will be opened at first, while the section from Lalkhan Bazar is still under construction.
Chairman of CDA, Alhaj M. Zahirul Alam Dubash, confirmed that the expressway will be partially opened this month, with changes made to the design to ensure the security of the Chittagong port.
The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in July 2017 and aims to improve communication between Chattogram city, south Chattogram, and upazilas, reducing travel time and expenses for commuters, and facilitating movement to and from the Chattogram Port and Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport.
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