Dhaka:The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has proposed a Taka 714.28 crore project aimed at repairing and developing damaged roads, drains, and footpaths in ten selected thana areas under its jurisdiction. This draft project is pending approval at the upcoming meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) scheduled for tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairman Tarique Rahman will preside over the meeting, which is set to begin at 1030 am in the Cabinet Room of the Bangladesh Secretariat. The project aims to enhance urban connectivity, reduce waterlogging, and improve living standards for city residents.
The proposed project will be funded with Taka 499.99 crore from the government, with Taka 299.99 crore as loans and Taka 199.99 crore as grants. The DSCC will contribute Taka 214.28 crore from its resources. The Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives will sponsor the project, while the DSCC will implement it over three years, until September 30, 2029.
Under the project, development plans include 28.45 kilometers of roads, 48.63 kilometers of drains, and 48.7 kilometers of footpaths, with drainage development accounting for the largest share of the expenditure. Additionally, 5.18 kilometers of road medians will be renovated. The project will cover areas within DSCC's administrative zones 1 to 5, such as Dhanmondi, New Market, Shahbagh, Ramna, Paltan, Shahjahanpur, Lalbagh, Bangshal, Jatrabari, and Motijheel.
The Planning Commission emphasized the necessity of the project due to Dhaka's growing population and increasing vehicles, leading to traffic congestion and waterlogging from heavy rainfall. The poor condition of roads and drainage systems in the selected areas exacerbates these issues. The project aims to improve communication facilities and the urban environment, benefiting city residents' quality of life.
SPIN Consultancy Services conducted the feasibility study for the proposed project, which is also listed in the unapproved new projects of the Annual Development Programme for the 2026-27 fiscal year.