Construction of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway ramp at Panthakunja Park has resumed at full pace after months of suspension due to environmental protests and a High Court order.
Officials say it is likely open within the next four to five months.
The project had been halted after environmentalists challenged the ramp's construction inside the park.
On Sept 10, 2025, a High Court bench led by Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Biswajit Debnath ordered work stopped and directed authorities to reopen the park to the public.
Executive Engineer Mahmudur Rahman said the High Court lifted the restriction in December 2025, subject to several conditions.
"We resumed work in line with the court's directives. Construction has been under way since the start of the year and is now in full swing. We are trying to open the ramp as quickly as possible," he told bdnews24.com.
Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the ramp should be ready within four to five months, stressing that the project was proceeding in compliance with the court's environmental guidelines.
The 46.73km expressway project, linking Shahjalal International Airport to Kutubkhali under a public-private partnership, was signed in 2011.
It includes a 19.73km main carriageway, 27km of ramps and 31 ramps in total.
Environmental campaigners, however, say authorities have repeatedly ignored court directives.
Amirul Rajib, coordinator of the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement, alleged authorities had continued work without environmental clearance despite court orders.
He warned that another 800 trees could be felled if the project proceeds.
Residents remain divided. Some fear the ramp will destroy the area's only major green space and worsen congestion, while others argue it would significantly reduce travel time by providing direct access to the expressway for residents of Hatirpool, Kathalbagan and nearby neighbourhoods.