The country’s first escalator, a moving staircase driven by motor, on the Airport road from Sainik Club to Road 11 of Banani in the capital, is likely to be opened to public this month.
Installation and other beautification works of the project are in the final stage. There will be a stairway and an escalator on both sides of the structure to help people easily move to the destination. Pedestrians will use the escalator for going up and the stairway could be used to walk down when they reach the other side.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is implementing the project while MAQ Engineering Bangladesh is constructing the footbridge as part of an experimental Clean Air and Sustainable Environment Project that started in June 2009. Construction of the structure will cost Tk 1.5 crore.
If the project succeeds in meeting its objective, the city corporation will construct another seven in seven different places in the city.
Speaking of the footbridge, Md Ratan, site supervisor of MAQ Engineering said: “Installation of the escalator is likely to be finished soon and it will also be possible to inaugurate it by this month.”
“It is likely to be inaugurated on March 26, the country’s Independence Day,” he added.
In reply to a question, Ratan said the DNCC has to finish the project before March 16, which is also the ICC T20 World Cup inauguration day.
“Although we will be able to complete installation of escalators, but construction of shed roof over the escalators cannot be finished before March 16,” he said.
Project director Shihab Ullah said two escalators had been imported from Malaysia, each costing Tk 75,40,000.
“Security guards will be appointed to ensure proper maintenance of the escalators,” he added.
Shihab Ullah observed the purpose of attaching escalators to footbridge was to encourage people to use pedestrian bridge. Moreover, it would reduce the risk of accidents while crossing the road and older people would also benefit from it, he said.
During a visit yesterday, this correspondent noticed installation of halogen lights on the shed had been completed. Workers were also seen cleaning and painting parts of the bridge.
Pedestrians, while speaking to this correspondent, said they were happy to see such a structure in the capital.
Shahin Mhmud, a resident of Banani said: “Many aged people, especially women and children, find it hard to use footbridge. I think they, along with other city pedestrians, will now feel encouraged to use it.”
“Besides, it will largely help people having problem in their legs,” he added.
Another pedestrian Nafisa Chowdhury echoed the same but said maintenance of the escalator would have to be prioritized.
“After building the footbridge, drug addicts may occupy this. The authorities have to keep an eye on that,” she added.