DTCB sources said vehicles would move faster on the flyover as there will be no congestion but once they get down, there could be jams at the foot of the flyover due to the absence of adequate diversion roads.

It could also directly affect traffic flow on some major thoroughfares like Bijoy Sarani, Mohakhali and Tongi Diversion Road.

"Constructing some diversion roads is our priority at this stage. Otherwise, people will not get the benefit from the flyover," a DTCB official said.

It was learnt that the DTCB was considering diversion roads at Bijoy Sarani, Mohakhali, Tongi, Progati Sarani and from Dhaka Gate point to Mirpur through the Cantonment.

The 1.01 kilometre Mohakhali flyover is expected to reduce the notorious traffic snarl-ups on the Airport Road.

The Tk. 130 crore project was scheduled to be completed by June 2004 but now it appears that it will not meet the deadline. DTCB sources say the flyover could be opened to traffic in September.

The flyover construction work is seriously hampering traffic movement in Mohakhali and adjacent areas. During peak hours, long traffic jams have become a common feature.

"We have had talks with the Cantonment authorities and they have assured us that they would consider giving permission to the proposed diversion road through the military area, which is very encouraging," said DTCB's executive director Quamrul Islam Siddique said.

Nearly 78.25 percent of the construction work of the country's first flyover has been completed. Two approach ramps and railings were yet to be built. Work began on December 6, 2001.