Nearly 80% of work for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has been completed and it will be opened to traffic in June 2023, BRT Managing Director Shafiqul Islam said on Friday.
He said that the development includes physical construction of the 20.5-kilometre stretch that consists of both flyover and road.
Shafiqul Islam was speaking at a press briefing in Gazipur after inspecting the project's development.
“If we work at 100% capacity, it can be completed on time. We continue to put pressure based on three conditions: bridging the gap in funds, manpower and ensuring 100% work safety. Work will not be allowed to commence until the conditions are met,” Shafiqul said.
He also hoped that the bulk of the work will be completed by December 2022.
“The remaining work should be completed by March 2023. We hope to launch the project by June next year,” he added.
Regarding the tragic crane accident in Uttara that killed five people, MD Shafiqul mentioned that the matter is under investigation and that the authorities will try to find out the culprits behind the accident. However, the contractor company should also bear responsibility in this regard, he said.
BRT Managing Director (MD) Shafiqul Islam speaking at the press briefing Dhaka TribuneMeanwhile, BRT Project Director ASM Ilias Shah said, despite the BRT being a fast-track project of the government, it has missed deadlines several times.
“Moreover, had the people from different local communities given suggestions on how to provide better security in the surrounding areas, the project authorities would have taken them into consideration as well,” he observed.
On August 15, at least five people, including children, of the same family were killed when a girder fell on their car from a crane during BRT project work in Uttara.
So far, ten people have been arrested over the deaths.
The incident sparked outrage with many blaming the BRT of negligence. The project has been halted until authorities install adequate safety measures along the project area.