Chinese construction firm Max-Renken JV is set to get the contract for building a flyover in the Chittagong city.
The Muradpur-Lalkhan Bazar flyover is part of an initiative to boost the port city's transit network that is already crippled by traffic congestion.
The structure will improve regional and international transit traffic through the Chittagong Port for the construction of a mega deep sea port at Moheshkhali.
The authorities have reduced the project cost by Tk24.61 crore by deciding not to immediately construct traffic sign and marking, electrical wire-work, drainage system and pavement.
An official of the Housing and Public Works Ministry told the Dhaka Tribune that the government would not immediately construct exit and entry ramps either.
Experts say the proposed flyover may have to suffer the same fate as the two existing ones – Bahaddarhat and Dewanhat – which also do not have exit and entry ramps at busy intersections.
As a result, people hardly use these flyovers and traffic congestion at busy intersections has not eased.
A technical evaluation committee has already finalised recommendations for the proposed the Muradpur-Lalkan Bazar flyover. Next week, the recommendations is likely to be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase for approval. The cabinet body will also finalise the decision to award the project to the Chinese contractor.
Public Works Secretary Golam Rabby said the government would not build any meaningless flyover; the entry and exit ramps would be constructed later.
According to the ministry proposal, the Muradpur-Lalkhan Bazar flyover will be the fourth flyover implemented by the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA).
It will have a 3,500m four-lane road from Muradpur to Wasa, a 700m two-lane road from Sholashahar Gate number two to Baizid Bostami intersection; and entry and exit ramps with the two-lane 1,000m road from the Oxygen intersection to the GEC intersection in the city.
Max-Renken JV is the lowest bidder among four firms, two of whom are local and two are joint ventures with China and India.
Max-Renken quoted Tk453.15 crore, but now, the project cost will be Tk431.50 crore because of the decision to withhold some sections of the structure.
The estimated Tk454 crore project will be sourced jointly by the government and CDA. The government will provide Tk437 crore and CDA Tk25 crore.
The initial plan was to build three flyovers in the area but a feasibiity study suggested that the three structures could be joined for greater benefit.
