PM orders underpasses, overpasses at three key Dhaka rail crossings

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps for constructing underpasses and overpasses at three major railway crossings in Dhaka to ease chronic traffic congestion in Uttara and surrounding areas.

The directive was issued to the Ministry of Railways through an official letter signed by Md. Uzzal Hossain, Protocol Officer-1 to the Prime Minister and Member Secretary of the Coordination Cell for Implementing MPs’ Commitments and Priority Projects. The matter was confirmed on Friday (June 19) by Dhaka-18 lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain.

According to the directive, administrative procedures should be initiated for the construction of grade-separated crossings at the Kasairbari rail gate in Uttara, Azampur Kacha Bazar rail crossing, and the Abdullahpur Beribadh rail crossing.

The letter noted that the crossings serve as vital entry and exit routes for residents of Dakshinkhan and Uttarkhan. However, frequent and prolonged closures during train operations cause severe traffic congestion, disrupting the movement of commuters, students, businesses, and emergency services, including ambulances.
The Prime Minister’s Office has also instructed the Railways Ministry to submit an urgent progress report on the proposed projects.

MP SM Jahangir Hossain said he had raised the issue in Parliament, highlighting the hardship faced by local residents. He expressed optimism that the construction of underpasses and overpasses at the three locations would significantly reduce traffic congestion across a large part of northern Dhaka and improve overall connectivity.