
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is formulating a master plan to integrate the country’s road network through 12 expressway routes, aiming for enhanced internal and cross-border connectivity by 2041. This project, requiring an investment of Tk1.91 lakh crore ($17.28 billion), will expand 1,508km of roads.
Syed Moinul Hasan, RHD’s chief engineer, explained that the master plan aims to unify the nation’s highways into a cohesive network. The Asian Development Bank has drafted the “Highway Master Plan 2041,” and an implementation strategy will be developed once the draft is approved next year.
Funding and Implementation
The 12-expressway plan, spanning 10-12 years, requires annual funding of $1.5 billion. The government will prioritize public-private partnerships (PPP) for construction. Financing decisions will be managed by the Finance Division and the Economic Relations Division.
Previous efforts to construct expressways on the Dhaka-Chattogram route were abandoned due to high costs and the feasibility of a high-speed train line. Instead, the route was upgraded to a four-lane highway. Currently, the Dhaka-Bhanga expressway is the country’s sole access-controlled expressway, connecting the capital with southwestern regions via the Padma Bridge.
Expert Opinions and Future Prospects
Experts highlight the importance of such infrastructure for sustainable development. Neighboring countries implemented similar plans in the 80s/90s. Despite potential challenges, expressways are essential for Bangladesh’s growth.
The proposed expressways include:
- Dhaka-Chattogram (and elevated)
- Dhaka-Mymensingh
- Dhaka-Sylhet
- Dhaka Outer Ring Road
- Dhaka-Bogura
- Mirsharai-Cox’s Bazar (via Bangabandhu Tunnel)
- Mymensingh-Bogura
- Gabtoli to Paturia (upgrading existing)
- Feni-Barishal
- Paturia-Daulatadia
- Jhenaidah-Khushtia-Dasuria
Dr. Mohammad Yunus of BIDS emphasizes the need for infrastructural changes to achieve developed country status. He suggests that while the current economic situation precludes big projects, the master plan should be prepared for future implementation.
Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian of the Planning Commission calls for integrated master plans covering road, rail, rural roads, and waterways. Communication expert Md Shamsul Hoque of BUET supports the strategic shift from traditional highway construction to elevated ways, maximizing land use without requiring additional space.
Cross-Border Connectivity
The master plan predicts a nearly 350% growth in cross-border goods flow, supported by developing value chains. It will consider multiple highways linking sea and land ports with major border points, aligned with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) initiative.
Previous and New Plans
Past plans, including a Dhaka-Chattogram expressway and elevated expressway, were scrapped due to high costs and the viability of high-speed trains. The new master plan is more inclusive, addressing both internal and cross-border connectivity.
Source: TBS News
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