The delegates include the vice-president of Thai Exim Bank, which is likely to provide 60 percent loan for the estimated Tk 1,218-crore project, sources said.

The first phase of the elevated expressway will start from Gulistan to link with the newly-built Mohakhali flyover. It will have exit points at Golapshah Mazar, Nilkhet, New Market and Sonargaon crossing.

The Thai delegation will discuss the issue with officials of the Roads and Highways Department. The members today also call on Communications Minister Nazmul Huda in the afternoon, said the sources.

The government and the delegation are likely to sign an agreement in this regard during the visit.

The decision of constructing the elevated expressway to ease the city's traffic congestion was taken during Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Dhaka in August 2002. The issue was also discussed during Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's return visit to Thailand last year.

The sources said the Thai government sees the project as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

Thailand will bear 20 percent cost of the project as technical support, while Bangladesh will provide the remaining 20 percent.