Sources in the DTCB said the idea of constructing a diversion road from Road 2 of Dhanmondi to Azimpur through the BDR campus came with a view to ease the severe traffic congestion on Road 2 and Science Laboratory crossing. It was also expected to reduce the travelling distance for those wishing to commute between Azimpur and Dhanmondi through the Sat Masjid Road.

The DTCB did a visual presentation at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on May 28, 2003 where it showed alignment of the proposed road next to the eastern wall of the BDR HQ. The PMO issued an order in June last year to the Rajuk, BDR and DTCB for studying the feasibility of the proposed road.

However DTCB officials said later that the proposed road seemed impractical as the multipurpose complex Rifles Square was situated right on the planned route.

"It was not built when we prepared the initial proposal," said a high official of the DTCB. "That is why we had thought of constructing the road beside the eastern wall of BDR where Rifles Square has its parking space now," he added.

The official said the main problem was to find a suitable site near Road 2 of Dhanmondi for making an entry point to the proposed road. An alternate plan was also considered which would have seen an entrance way through Road 1.

"But problem arose there too as that would have required a 35-year-old two-storied private building to be demolished as it stood in the way. The owners were unwilling to do that," the official added.

Some establishments along the pond inside the BDR compound also had to be destroyed if the road had been constructed on the eastern side.

Following lengthy discussions with the BDR, the DTCB decided to reconstruct an existing road next to the western wall of BDR that connects Jigatola, Hazaribagh and Lalbagh with Azimpur. That road is about 30 feet wide but has potholes in many places. Also, some parts of it has been encroached by people.

"We will reconstruct the entire road very soon," the official said adding that people living in Mohammedpur, Katasur, Rayerbazar and western parts of Jigatola will be benefited most from it. He also expected the road to reduce traffic jam in the area.

Severe traffic chaos still exists at Science Laboratory crossing even though a large part of Mirpur Road has been made off-limit to non motorised vehicles (NMV). Sat Masjid Road, that runs parallel to Mirpur Road suffers from traffic congestion as NMVs move there along with motorised ones. Besides, presence of different establishments like hospitals, clinics, universities, schools and business houses along the Sat Masjid Road have increased traffic movement in the area.