The DCC defied a communications ministry proposal of an elevated express highway on the same route, sources said.

Denying any uncertainty about the project, the DCC Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka said four prequalified companies were asked to submit second phase of the proposal by August 31.

The DCC short-listed four foreign companies--- Belhasa-Accom-Lasa, Cord-Percon JV, Menuju Asas Sdn Bhd and Projalama construction Sdn Limited--- for the construction work.

Five companies submitted first proposal on June 30. The bid of Development Construction Limited was cancelled as it failed to fulfil the conditions.

The proposed four-lane flyover with two by-lanes will reduce pressure on city traffic and people who stay outside the city will be able to attend offices in the city living 50 kilometres off the capital, Khoka added.

The DCC, Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Institute of Architects, Bangladesh, Institute of Engineers and international experts participated in the evaluation process, sources said.

The flyover covering parts of Chittagong-Narayanganj-Mawa highway, Demra, Gulistan, DIT Avenue, Saydabad, Dayaganj, Buriganga Bridge-2, Motijheel, Tikatuli, Gopibagh, Wari, Narinda, Dholaipar road will be built on the basis of build-operate and transfer.

It will take three years to complete the construction works, sources added.