Work of BRT project halted

GBNEWS24DESK//

Physical work of the entire Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line-3 project will remain suspended until foolproof safety measures are in place, the authorities decided yesterday.

Top project officials met Asian Development Bank (ADB) officials at the latter’s office in the capital and made the decision in the afternoon.

After major accidents, suspending project work until a safety review is done is an accepted international standard, said a top BRT official who attended the meeting.

“The ADB asked us to ensure 100 percent safety or to keep the project work suspended,” the official said, adding that reviewing the safety measures may take around a week.

“After the meeting, we verbally conveyed the decision to the contractors. Our consultants will formally inform them.

“We will resume work, particularly at the places where safety review would be satisfactory.”

However, another top BRT official, who also took part in the meeting, said work would be suspended only in places where there are safety issues.

“All of us — the financier, project officials and consultants — agreed that we will resume work at the places in question after ensuring foolproof safety measures,” he said.

Both officials requested not to be named.

The development came a day after a segment of a box girder fell on a car at a construction site of the project in the capital’s Uttara, killing five people, including two children.