The government Monday signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for US$160 million in loans to help Bangladesh develop sustainable urban public transport systems in greater Dhaka areas.

The assistance will contribute to developing a sustainable urban transport system in Dhaka North City Corporation and Gazipur City Corporation areas, which form part of north Greater Dhaka, by constructing a 20-kilometer bus rapid transit (BRT) route. It will help establish the first modern mass transit system in Bangladesh pursuing a holistic solution for integrated urban mobility.

Saifuddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) and M. Teresa Kho, Country Director of ADB’s Bangladesh Resident Mission, signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB respectively, at a ceremony at ERD, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The assistance for the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project will also construct sidewalks, mixed-traffic lanes, high-capacity drainage system, BRT depot and terminal facilities, and 155 access roads for non-motorised transport.

The BRT Airport terminal will be developed as an intermodal hub under a public-private partnership scheme. With an inclusive approach, the project will install 1,000 energy-efficient streetlights along the corridor; improve 10 local markets, nine drains, 141 local roads, and two pedestrian-friendly pilot roads, and further improve traffic management. The Project will directly benefit more than 1 million people.

News: The Daily Sun/Bangladesh/18th-Dec-12