DHAKA: The government has invited bids from four short-listed investment companies for the construction of Dhaka Elevated Expressway, as preparation for building the motorway over the jammed capital city advanced steadily.

According to a competent source the government sent ‘Request for Proposal’ letter to the companies concerned on September 2, initiating the process of awarding contract for works of the mega-project taken up under public-private partnership, the latest development concept being followed worldwide.

The four investment companies would submit their proposals in the Bridge Division of the Communications Ministry by November-7 deadline.

On the short list are Ital-Thai Development Company Ltd (Italy-Thailand), Gammon-Bougyes JV (India-France), Sikder-KCC JV (Bangladesh-South Korea) and China Railway International Ltd (China).

Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain told banglanews that the cabinet approved the proposed Dhaka Elevated Expressway on August 23 with a view to getting over the nagging traffic congestions in the capital city.

”Work under the about US$ 2 billion gigantic scheme will start next year and complete in 2013,” he said.

The minister also informed that the project would be implemented under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) venture.

“The government on recommendation of the specialized committee has short-listed four investment companies who will submit their project-implementation proposal by November,” Minister Abul Hossain said.

The 32-kilometer elevated expressway will run from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport up to Dhaka-Chittagong highway (near Kutubkhali) jiggling through Kuril-Banani-Mohakhali-Tejgaon-Satrasta-Maghbazar-Rail Corridor-Khilgaon-Kamalapur track.

BDST: 0920 HRS, SEP 15, 2010