The ramp adjacent to the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FCD) in the Karwan Bazar section of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway has been opened for vehicle movement, designated for descent only.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the ramp at 11am on Wednesday, marking the opening of the 16th ramp in the project.

During the inauguration of the Karwan Bazar section of the elevated expressway, Quader described it as an Eid gift from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the nation.

He clarified that the project would not be completed within the current year but is slated for completion next year.

Responding to concerns about traffic congestion during Ramadan, the minister attributed potential jams to increased footfall at shopping malls during the holy month. However, he assured that traffic flow from Uttara to Motijheel remains unaffected.

Journalists queried the minister about the ministry’s handling of old and dilapidated buses over the past 12 years. In response, Quader defended the ministry’s efforts, citing completed projects such as the Padma Bridge and metro rail, while emphasising that significant undertakings require time.

Regarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, he acknowledged delays but expressed optimism about its completion by December.
The Dhaka Elevated Expressway spans 19.73 km, inclusive of 31 ramps, totalling 46.73 km.

The project, inaugurated on 2 September last year, saw traffic movement commencing on 3 September. Eleven and a half km from Kawla to Farmgate has been opened, featuring 15 ramps in this section.

The project director reported that 72.51% of the work has been completed thus far, with ongoing work in Hatirjheel and Panthakunja sections. A boarding ramp is planned next to the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.
The opening of the Karwan Bazar ramp is expected to heighten traffic pressure, particularly on Farmgate and Indira Road. Cars from Motijheel and the southern section will utilise this ramp, potentially transferring pressure from the Karwan market to this area.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority signed an agreement with the First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Limited, the project's investor, on 15 December 2013. The total project cost is estimated at Tk8,940.

18 crore, with Tk2,413.84 crore provided by the government. The remaining funding will be sourced from the Italian Thai Development Public Company Limited (51%), China Shandong International Economic and Technical Group (34%), and Sinohydro Corporation (15%).