Feb 28 (V7N) – Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam on Sunday said city footpaths will be freed from illegal occupation in a planned and orderly manner through dialogue with city authorities, traders and hawkers after Eid-ul-Fitr.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a modern foot overbridge in the New Market area under the Mirpur Road corridor in the capital, where Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam was also present.

The foot overbridge has been constructed with DSCC’s own funds at a cost of around Tk 9.77 crore under the direct supervision of the city corporation. The construction was carried out by Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited (DEW) from January 1, 2023 to October 30, 2025.

Built with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and steel structures, the bridge is 42 metres long and 20 feet wide. An escalator has been installed to ensure easy movement for pedestrians, particularly the elderly and children, making it the only DSCC foot overbridge currently equipped with an escalator.

The bridge also features 7-foot-wide stairways on both sides and is directly connected to Noor Mansion on the eastern side and New Super Market on the western side for the convenience of shoppers. A modern lighting system has also been installed to enhance night-time safety and aesthetics.

Speaking at the event, the minister said the New Market area, surrounded by 31 markets, is one of the busiest commercial zones in the capital and the new foot overbridge would significantly reduce pedestrian suffering. He warned that no illegal hawkers or shops would be allowed to occupy the bridge under any circumstances.

Presiding over the programme, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said development projects are being implemented in line with the Prime Minister’s directives, prioritising public welfare and citizens’ needs. He also urged traders in the New Market area to sell goods at fair prices during Ramadan and maintain cleanliness.

According to DSCC, there are currently 31 foot overbridges under its jurisdiction. Construction of another foot overbridge is underway near the old Ramna Police Station at Mogbazar, while repair works of seven others at Paribagh, Sobhanbagh, Science Lab, Shahbagh, Balaka and Hatkhola intersections are being expedited.

DSCC officials expressed hope that the newly inaugurated foot overbridge will help ease long-standing traffic congestion in the New Market area and ensure safer road crossing for pedestrians.

END/AJ/PC