Successful Development Projects In Dhaka That Improved Our City Life

We might be only 47 years old as a country but as a city, Dhaka is over 400 years old! During this long journey, as a result of its geographical significance, Dhaka has been one of the core economic zones under several rulers. With time, the capital has experienced constant expansion and formed into what we see as a megacity today. To cope with increasing demands, the Bangladesh government undertook numerous development projects which led to Bangladesh today being one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

For an emerging country like Bangladesh where Dhaka is the root of its economy, infrastructural advancement is a fundamental requirement. For example, some notable development projects in Dhaka include RAJUK’s area expansion through roads and flyover constructions. Let’s take a look at some major projects and how they improved our city life.

Uttara – A Planned Residential Area

Since Dhaka is the economic hub of Bangladesh, people from all over the country show a tendency to migrate for better opportunities. Due to the lack of decentralization, it is the only choice for many to lead a decent life.

Urbanization is a solution to the overflow and concentration of population in the city’s areas. According to UNDP, almost 40% of people will be urbanized by 2020. In response to the forecast, RAJUK had already adopted a plan to tackle the increasing number of dwellers. Uttara was the first planned residential area in Dhaka and the brainchild of RAJUK for contemporary social development.

As Uttara is nestled in greenery, away from city chaos, it has now become one of the prime locations for new apartment buyers. Additionally, for an exclusive posh area in Dhaka, apartments in Uttara are much more affordable compared to locations like Gulshan, Banani, etc. Also, Uttara offers almost every facility there is for a modern lifestyle. Hence, people who prefer to live in a serene locality are shifting to Uttara. Meaning lower pressure for accomodation in other related developing neighborhoods.

Construction of Flyovers

One of the most highlighted development projects in Dhaka was the construction of the Mohakhali flyover; the first of its kind in the capital. Government inaugurated the 1.12 km long elevated bypass back in 2004. Before that, the Mohakhali intersection used to become jam-packed, especially during office hours.

Traffic congestion eats up almost 5 million working hours every day causing billions of taka in annual losses. Placing the flyover in a crucial point like Mohakhali, vehicles could move faster towards the Gulshan or Banani areas, some of the commercial hubs of the country.

Similar to Mohakhali, the Kuril flyover has also had an astounding effect on mobility and the economy. Now, vehicles from Mirpur and Uttara can access the important commercial zones much faster. Not only that, the improved accessibility to these commercial and residential areas has led to the growth of real estate and other businesses. Thus, the demand for apartments in Mirpur, Banani, Gulshan, and other connected localities have increased notably.

Hatirjheel Project

To minimize traffic congestion in Dhaka, the government has taken initiatives on a multitude of development projects. Reformation of Hatirjheel is one of the vital ones so far. Location wise, Hatirjheel is in between the Gulshan and Moghbazar areas. Construction of this mega project added alternate routes between these areas. Not only that, the beautification of the project created a new recreational place for Dhaka dwellers too.

Although the aim of the project was traffic improvements in the adjacent areas, construction of the project led to property development too. According to a recent study on housing in Dhaka city, most people prefer rental apartments near their workplace, mainly to avoid traffic. Such working class tenants also show a tendency towards affordable housing and Hatirjheel offered them exactly what they wanted. More people are now interested in residing in the nearby localities like Moghbazar, Badda, and Banasree areas providing immense growth opportunities for real estate developers.

Highway Constructions

Development projects like highway constructions are also a part of the improvement of the city. As mentioned earlier, Dhaka is the economic capital of the country. Thus, it is imperative for Dhaka to ensure proper connectivity, mainly in the entrance highways.

With that in mind, the Bangladesh government constructed the Purbachal Express Highway and Demra Staff Quarter Highway on two opposite ends of the capital. Both of the roads serve the same purpose, however, Purbachal Express highway is of higher importance here because of expansion of the city towards Purbachal.

The Bangladesh government has extensive plans about Purbachal and surely the expressway will play a vital role in improving transportation and communication. Furthermore, these highways will also have an impact on boosting businesses from all over the country. After all, the more the economy grows, the more social development will take place. That is how Dhaka will provide a much-advanced city life experience to its dwellers. Dhaka continues to approach further projects to enhance the lives of its denizens. We look forward to seeing what is in store for all of us.