The $400 million project has been conceived as part of government efforts to 'ease the capital city's traffic jam permanently', a preparatory meeting at the communications ministry with a Thai delegation was told yesterday.

The team will work out alignment and financing process for the 13-km expressway.

Discussion on the project was held at yesterday's meeting between Thai Ambassador Suphat Chitranukroh and Communications Minister Nazmul Huda.

During the visit, the high-powered delegation will meet the taskforce formed by the Bangladesh government, officials of the communications ministry and Roads and Highways Department and finalise the process.

Thai Exim Bank will support 60 percent while Thai and Bangladesh governments will equally share the remaining 40 percent of total cost of the project to be implemented in two phases.