Ashulia is one of Bangladesh’s key textile industrial zones. “Once the highway opens, we’ll be able to deliver our products quickly to Dhaka, Chittagong, and other areas. Transportation costs will decrease significantly, and our income will rise,” said truck driver Khan, eagerly anticipating the completion of the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway (referred to as the “Dhaka–Ashulia Expressway”).
The project includes the construction of a 24-kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway, the upgrading of 14.3 kilometers of existing roads, and the building of ramps, service roads, and bridges. The expressway, designed for a maximum speed of 80 km/h, is being constructed by China General Technology (Group) Holding Co., Ltd. under its subsidiary, China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation. “This project will greatly improve transportation between northern Dhaka and its industrial zones, ease congestion, and benefit around 40 million people across Dhaka and 30 neighboring districts. It marks a new era of connectivity for Bangladesh,” said Abdul Raf, Director of the Bridges Division of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Transport.
At the construction site, bridge-laying machines steadily advance, and the installation of T-beams and upper bridge structures proceeds in an orderly fashion. Located on a river alluvial plain, the Dhaka–Ashulia Expressway faces complex geological conditions. Reporters observed the area’s busy land and water traffic — the project requires the demolition of old bridges while ensuring smooth road and river passage during construction. “The project is progressing as planned. Chinese companies possess world-class road and bridge construction technology and equipment,” said Project Director Shafiqul. Project Manager Ma Zhihua noted, “More than half of the overall construction has been completed, laying a solid foundation for opening the expressway in 2026 as scheduled.”
Nearly 4,000 local workers are employed on-site. The project team promotes local talent through a master-apprentice model, helping Bangladeshi employees enhance their technical skills while strengthening ties between Chinese and Bangladeshi staff. Moran, a local worker responsible for translation and machinery coordination, said, “I’ve gained valuable experience and knowledge here. I hope to contribute to the smooth completion of the road and, together with my Chinese friends, build bridges and pave paths to open the door to connectivity for Bangladesh.”
“We are committed to deeply participating in transportation infrastructure construction under the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing to global connectivity partnerships and shared development,” said Lu Weijun, Deputy General Manager of China General Technology (Group) Holding Co., Ltd.