The Dhaka Elevated Expressway is a significant infrastructure project in Bangladesh, marking the country's first elevated expressway.
| Location | Connects Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, passing through major areas of Dhaka |
| Length | 19.73 km (12.26 mi) with an additional 46.73 km of connecting ramps |
| Status | Partially operational, with the Airport-Farmgate section opened |
| Inauguration | Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the project on September 2, 2023 |
| Cost | Approximately BDT. 122 billion (US$1.1 billion) |
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway is a significant infrastructure project in Bangladesh, marking the country's first elevated expressway. Spanning approximately 19.73 kilometers, it connects Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, aiming to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion in Dhaka city. The expressway, which partially opened on September 2, 2023, is designed to enhance connectivity between various parts of the city, facilitating smoother and faster commutes.
The expressway features a modern design with two lanes and a breakdown lane in each direction, separated by a median. It runs alongside key urban areas such as Tejgaon, Maghbazar, and Kamalapur, and is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the airport and central Dhaka. The project, which is a public-private partnership, has an estimated cost of around BDT. 122 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) and is part of a broader strategic transport plan for the city.
Once fully operational, the expressway will include 31 entry and exit ramps, making it easier for vehicles to access various parts of the city without contributing to ground-level traffic congestion. The speed limit on the expressway is set at 80 km/h, although a temporary limit of 60 km/h is currently enforced.
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway has several strategically located entry and exit points:
| Point Area | Location |
|---|---|
| Kawla | Near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport |
| Army Golf Club | Located on Airport Road |
| Kuril | Along Pragati Avenue |
| Bijoy Sarani Overpass | Bijoy Sarani |
| Banani Rail Station | On Kemal Ataturk Avenue |
| Point Area | Location |
|---|---|
| Kemal Ataturk Avenue | In Banani |
| Mohakhali Bus Terminal | |
| Indira Road | At Farmgate |
| Karwan Bazar | Near the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation |
| Airport Road | Opposite Kemal Ataturk Avenue |
The expressway operates on a toll system, with rates varying based on vehicle type. The toll rates are as follows:
| Vehicle Type | Toll Rate (BDT. ) |
|---|---|
| Private cars, microbuses (up to 16 seats), light trucks (below 3 tonnes) | 80 |
| Buses and minibuses (16 seats and above) | 160 |
| Medium-sized trucks (up to 6 wheels) | 320 |
| Large trucks (more than 6 wheels) | 400 |
