Mega transport projects to increase costs, not solve crisis
The government's different mega projects like elevated expressway and metro rail will worsen the crisis in the city's transportation system, as the projects are not viable to the city's infrastructure and the country's economy, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.
Initiating such projects will attempt to commercialise the transportation system that will further increase the transportation cost on the part of the commuters and the government, they said.
The speakers were addressing a discussion styled 'Sufferings in transportation: Ambitious projects' organised by Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the city.
Urban planner Dr Sarwar Jahan said, if the elevated expressway is introduced, the government will have to give subsidy every day since the tolls collected from the commuters will never be enough to cover the expenses behind the project.
And, under the country's present economic situation, it is not possible to subsidise regularly, he added.
He alleged that the policymakers did not discuss with any experts before initiating such projects.
Noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud also criticised the government for taking those projects, which will only create opportunity for a section of people to amass wealth.
About the recent debate on the Padma bridge issue, he said, "When we talked about the government's corruption on the issue, they (government) started investigation into us. But now the World Bank has also raised voice about the government."
POBA Chairman Abu Naser Khan said some multinational companies will be benefited by those projects while the sufferings of the people will be increased in the name of tolls and charges.
He also said the government should impose restriction on the movement of private cars and rather strengthen the city's public transportation services.
Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal central committee member Rajekuzzaman Ratan and urban planner Neaz Rahman also spoke among others.
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