Dhaka-Ashulia Expressway cost to soar by Tk 9,493cr

The Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, designed to ease congestion and improve connectivity between Dhaka and its surrounding industrial belt, is increasingly becoming a source of public frustration as its cost and completion deadline continue to rise.

The project cost is now proposed to increase by Tk 9,493 crore to Tk 27,046 crore, while commuters along the Dhaka-Ashulia-Savar corridor continue to face severe traffic congestion, dust, road disruptions and construction-related delays.

For thousands of daily commuters, the situation has become particularly difficult. A journey of around 10 kilometres can take 45 minutes to an hour during peak periods, increasing fuel consumption, transport costs and time spent on the road.

The 24-kilometre China-funded project was initially approved in 2017 at an estimated cost of Tk 16,901 crore, with completion scheduled for June 2022. Following the first revision, the cost rose to Tk 17,553 crore. The latest proposal would take the cost to Tk 27,046 crore�"around 54 per cent higher than the original estimate.

Experts acknowledge that cost escalation can occur in large infrastructure projects due to inflation, currency depreciation and changes in construction requirements. However, they say inadequate preparation, design modifications and delays in resolving land and utility issues can substantially increase the financial burden.

“Land acquisition, utility relocation, detailed design and coordination among agencies should have been addressed more thoroughly before construction began,” infrastructure analysts said, stressing that repeated revisions ultimately put additional pressure on the public exchequer.

As of May 2026, physical progress stood at 63.5 per cent, while around Tk 14,557 crore had already been spent. Construction formally began in October 2022.  Nearly four years were required beforehand to finalise the commercial agreement and secure financing from the Export-Import Bank of China.

The prolonged construction has placed additional pressure on the Dhaka-Ashulia-Savar corridor, one of the country’s busiest industrial and residential routes. Thousands of workers, students, office-goers, traders and transport operators use the route every day.

The industrial sector is also facing challenges. Ashulia, Savar and Baipail host a large concentration of factories that depend on reliable road connectivity to transport raw materials and finished products. Prolonged congestion increases delivery times and transportation costs, potentially affecting production and supply chains.

A major factor behind the latest cost increase is the depreciation of the taka. The exchange rate was calculated at Tk 86 per US dollar in the first revision, while the latest proposal uses Tk 121.75. The exchange-rate adjustment alone has added Tk 3,736 crore to the project cost.

Another Tk 1,769 crore has been proposed for additional engineering work arising from design modifications.

Several changes have also raised questions about the project's initial planning. The expressway crosses three distributaries of the Turag River, requiring modifications to bridge designs following changes in navigation classification. Provision has also been made for a future Bangladesh Railway transit corridor along the Dhaka-Tongi section.

At Baipail, a trumpet interchange has been added to improve connectivity with the Savar-Nabinagar road. An additional entry and exit ramp at Kawla is planned to provide direct access to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal.

Experts say some modifications may be technically necessary, but they underline the importance of comprehensive feasibility studies and integrated planning before construction begins.

The proposed extension of the deadline to June 2030 has further heightened public concern. Initially scheduled for completion in June 2022, the project is now expected to continue for several years beyond its original timeline.

Despite the delays and rising cost, experts believe the expressway could bring substantial economic benefits once completed. The route will run from Kawla near the airport through Abdullahpur, Kamarpara, Dhaur, Ashulia, Zirabo and Baipail before reaching Sreepur Bus Stand in Savar.

Once completed and integrated with the wider Dhaka expressway network, it could strengthen regional connectivity and facilitate faster movement between the capital, northern and northwestern regions and major southern and southeastern transport corridors.