Hello Local Guides!
Today I am writing about one of the most beautiful underpass construction and largest pedestrian Underpass in Bangladesh. Its called Sursoptok Underpass(সুরসপ্তক আন্ডারপাস). The most important feature is that it is a 100% Wheelchair friendly underpass I have ever seen in Bangladesh. If there is nothing wrong with me, it’s the first Wheelchair Accessible and elevator facilitated underpass in Bangladesh. A complete fulfillment of accessibility is here.
This underpass design is inspired by the famous Louvre Museum in France and its established Using Push box Technology. After all this is about a new and safe under passing system with all the modern facilities. This underpass structure was founded by the Government of Bangladesh after the Safe Road Movement in 2018 where a road accident took the lives of two students. The structure is named in honor of the seven heroes (Bir Sreshtho) of our Liberation War. It opened from 12 January 2022 for everyone.
Location: This underpass is situated along the Dhaka - Mymensingh highway (also known as the Airport Road) at MES Square near the Radisson Blu Water Garden and the Kurmitola Hospital in Dhaka.
This underpass system connected this busy road area in one line for pedestrians. This underpass has four 42 meter long tunnels and 15 meters in height. At least 10 people can comfortably walk side by side through the underpass. There are four entrances and two exits on each side of this underpass.
Facilities and features: It has a multi facility option for all with a 24 house security system. Wheelchair accessible ramp, Escalator, Elevator and wide stairs installed nicely there. All the facilities are open for all. The whole underpass is a museum as you can notice every wall has different types and cultural photographs.
For its unique design the inner part of the underpass will be illuminated by sunlight during the day and moonlight at night. For your refreshment it has enough air-conditioning inside the tunnels. The whole sight is monitored by CCTV cameras and it also has fire extinguishers and first-aid facilities on every corner and entrance. After all, Bangladesh Army’s 24 Engineer Construction Brigade team completed this whole project and they are still maintaining the underpass system.
Accessibility: Every sight of the underpass has a long and easy wheelchair accessible ramp with a high capacity Elevator. Elevator also has a sound navigation system. This area is also women and tourist friendly.
This area is completely a different environment for visitors and pedestrians where already established a tourist zone here. Finally this underpass is one of the best symbol of structural development in our country and how the government take caring about public service and accessibility.
Click the album link for enjoying some best view of the area!
Please share your opinion in comments section about this new underpass in Dhaka and my photography.
Happy Guiding!
নিয়ে খুব ভালোভাবে রাস্তা পারাপার করা যায়।