Communications chief tells JS
A guideline for introduction of modern communication technology in taxicabs has been prepared to reduce harassments to passengers and improve cab service, Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain told the House yesterday.
He also said the construction of elevated expressway would begin from January.
According to the taxicab guideline, taxi service would be operated under companies. No individual would be given permission from now on to operate cabs, the minister said in a scripted answer.
A company has to have at least 1,000 taxicabs to obtain permission, the guideline says, adding that each company must have own radio communication system, cell phones and a control room with GPS system to maintain round the clock communication with its cabs.
“If anyone seeks to hire a cab, s/he can call the control room and the company will take immediate measures to provide the client with the service,” said the minister.
From January next, stern actions as per the existing law would be taken against cab drivers if they refuse trips for no valid reason or charge passengers higher than the fixed rate, he said, adding that mobile courts would deal with the drivers that violate the guideline.
ELEVATED EXPRESSWAY
The communications minister said two of the four pre-qualified organisations have responded to request for proposal and submitted their proposals for the construction of the elevated expressway.
He said a team of experts is evaluating the proposals and an agreement would be signed this month.
“The construction work of the elevated expressway will begin in January next,” he said.
Earlier, on August 23 this year, the cabinet finalised the route of the expressway i.e. from Shahjalal International Airport-Kuril-Banani-Mohakhali-Tejgaon-Saatrasta-Moghbazar rail crossing-Khilgaon-Kamalapur-Golapbagh to Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Kutubkhali point.
In response to a query on connecting Dhanmondi with the elevated expressway considering traffic congestion in the locality, the minister said there would be a new road from Gabtoli to Azimpur to ensure smooth traffic there.
PADMA BRIDGE
The government would soon float a tender for the construction of the Padma Bridge at Mawa-Jajira point, said Communications Minister Syed Abul Hossain.
“Evaluation report of pre-qualified tenders will be sent to the donors on completion of tender process by December 25,” he said.
The minister said the government has so far received Tk 18,500 crore from different donor countries and agencies for the bridge construction.
An estimated Tk 21,000 crore will be needed to complete the bridge and the government will bear the rest of the expenditure, he said.
MASTER PLAN FOR RAILWAY
A master plan for overall development of the country’s railway sector is now at the final stage, said the communication minister.
He said the government has taken various measures to expand the railway network across the country. A proposal for introduction of electric trains on Dhaka-Chittagong route was sent to the planning commission on December 10, 2009, he said, adding, “The next step in this regard will be taken on receiving foreign aid.”
