Chinese banks show interest in financing Dhaka elevated expressways

A Chinese delegation at a bilateral meeting with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) assured that efforts were being made to expedite financing for the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project, as two leading banks from China's Shandong Province have expressed interest in financing the project as alternative lenders.

"The Chinese delegation assured that resolving the financing issue at the earliest was being given high priority and that efforts were continuing to expedite the process. Meanwhile, two leading banks from China's Shandong Province have already expressed interest in financing the project as alternative lenders," said Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf.

The meeting was held at the Bridge Bhaban with Secretary of Bridges Division and Executive Director of the BBA Mohammad Abdur Rouf in the chair.

During the meeting, the bridges division secretary sought an update on the overall financing of the project, while the delegation of First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Limited (FDEE) discussed the progress and financing of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway PPP project and measures to expedite the ongoing construction work.

He directed the concerned authorities to complete construction of the up-ramp adjacent to Panthakunja Park by December 2026 and open it to traffic. He requested the delegation and other concerned parties to take the necessary measures accordingly.

Rouf requested the Chinese delegation to take necessary steps and ensure coordination for the early implementation of an RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system at the toll plazas of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement.

He also placed special emphasis on expediting completion of the remaining works of the project and directed the deployment of additional manpower at the project site to accelerate construction.

The secretary reiterated the Bangladesh Bridge Authority's commitment to providing all necessary policy and operational support for implementation of the project.

"The investor company needs to take more effective initiatives to ensure that the benefits of the project reach the people of Dhaka at the earliest," the Bridges Division secretary said.

The Dhaka Elevated Expressway PPP project is one of the country's major infrastructure PPP projects. It is being implemented to increase road capacity and reduce traffic congestion along the route from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Kawla) through Kuril, Banani, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Moghbazar, Kamalapur, Sayedabad and Jatrabari to Kutubkhali on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.

The main elevated expressway is 19.73 kilometres long, while its total length, including connecting ramps for entry and exit, is 46.73 kilometres.

The BBA Director (Administration) stressed the need to prepare a comprehensive, clear and time-bound work plan for completing the remaining works within the stipulated timeframe.

He also called for strengthening overall security measures in the project area during construction.

The Chief Engineer of the BBA, Project Director of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway PPP Project and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.