Gazipur-HSIA BRT project cost doubled

Cost of the project for establishing a bus-based mass transit system from Gazipur to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has almost been doubled on ground of substantial changes in its design.
According to sources, total cost of the Tk 13.13 billion bus rapid transit (BRT) project has been hiked to Tk 23.82 billion at its detailed design stage.
Total cost of the project has been increased by 81.4 per cent. But cost of components of Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has been doubled.
Only the part of the project to be implemented by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has remained same, they also said.
RHD, BBA and LGED have been implementing the Greater Dhaka Urban Sustainable Transport Project since 2012 with funds from the government and the development partners, including Asian Development Bank (ADB).
RHD's part of the work was estimated Tk 4.31 billion, under which reconstruction, strengthening and overlaying of existing roads and pavements will be done, 25 stations will be set up, and five flyovers will be constructed.
BBA will implement its part of 4.5-km elevated expressway on the corridor at an estimated cost of Tk 6.14 billion.
Cost of the LGED part is fixed at Tk 2.1 billion for constructing lane and by-lane, an administrative building, refuelling stations, washing and repairing plants for BRT buses in the depot.
Under the project, 20 kilometre BRT corridor will be established to enable 20,000 passengers cross it per hour.
According to official information, cost of the RHD part has been proposed to increase to Tk 9.09 billion from Tk 4.55 billion. BBA's estimation to construct over 4.0 km flyover is Tk 12.62 billion, which is Tk 6.14 billion higher than its earlier approved cost.  
Sources said the BRT project is already considered as a costly project comparing with the costs of similar projects in other implementing countries, like the Philippines and Columbia etc.
When asked about reasons behind the increase in the project cost, Project Director Mohammad Afil Uddin said the cost has been revised to make the BRT corridor efficient for greater Dhaka through establishing sustainable transport system.
He said in the detailed design, consultants proposed to develop total 12 lane roads, overpasses at all intersections, and service roads along with development of lanes and by-lanes, which will meet the Gazipur-Airport road.
Earlier, cost of the project was estimated on the basis of feasibility study and preliminary design of the BRT line. But it was necessary to adjust the cost, as the earlier cost was estimated with the schedule rate of 2011, he told the FE.
Australian firm SMEC, which completed detailed design of the BRT line, has recently suggested increasing the length of 25 stations with provisions of escalators and elevators as well as developing 131 roads, to be connected with the main road.
Besides, it has recommended including a tunnel between HSIA and Airport Station at a cost of $ 15 million under the project.
Official sources said the revised project cost has already been sent to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges for taking necessary actions, including requesting the development partners to increase their contribution to the project.
Increase in the cost has also forced the project office to look for fund worth $ 108.04 million, as the development partners have committed to provide $ 170 million till now.
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