The interim government is planning to construct elevated highways connecting all 64 districts of Bangladesh. As part of this initiative, a double-decker road system will be built above the main roads, with considerations for multi-tier roads in some areas. This project aims to facilitate seamless, round-the-clock movement of goods-carrying vehicles across the country. The ambitious plan will commence with the construction of the Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway. However, questions have been raised about whether the government is deviating from its earlier commitment to avoid large-scale projects to address the ongoing economic crisis through expenditure cuts.
According to sources, on April 27, a review meeting on “Ongoing, Under-Process, and Planned Major Projects under the Bridges Division” gave in-principle approval to connect all 64 districts through an elevated expressway network. The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The meeting minutes stated, “A master plan must be promptly developed to connect all 64 districts through an elevated expressway network.”
The meeting discussed creating an “Integrated Multimodal” transport system centered on all districts, combining multiple modes of transportation. The proposed elevated expressway network is a part of this broader plan, with the Dhaka-Chattogram Expressway marking the first phase. A senior official who attended the meeting told Kalbela, “Currently, roads are being built haphazardly. To streamline this, a comprehensive plan is being developed to integrate waterways, railways, and roads.”
Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan said, “We are planning to build a hub that includes railways, waterways, and roads. We are identifying areas lacking connectivity and will construct the necessary infrastructure.” Mohammad Abdur Rauf, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) and Secretary of the Bridges Division, told Kalbela, “If elevated highways are built connecting all districts, it will reduce pressure on ground-level roads, enable uninterrupted movement of goods vehicles, and contribute positively to the economy.”
However, this ambitious plan appears to contradict the interim government’s earlier policy of avoiding mega projects. On September 18 last year, during the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated, “From now on, we will prioritize small, people-centric projects over mega projects.” Despite this, new projects are being approved by ECNEC, and plans for larger projects are being drafted.
When asked about this shift, Adviser Fawzul Kabir Khan said, “We are only undertaking essential projects. We have reduced expenditure by approximately 50,000 crore taka and canceled unnecessary projects. The integrated multimodal hub is a priority.”
Economist Zahid Hossain told Kalbela, “Dreaming is good, but spending taxpayers’ money on dreams requires careful thought. Feasibility studies for such large projects will cost significant amounts. A short-term government should focus on completing essential ongoing projects rather than taking on new, risky ventures with long-term implications.”
