Addressing road connectivity as the most important factor for rapid and holistic development of a country, the government has taken a plan to increase allocation for the transport and communications sector to Tk 773.65 billion in 2022-23 fiscal year, with an average 14.65 percent increase each year.
Aiming to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and transform Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041, the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) has taken various initiatives to upgrade all the important highways to four-lane. Reportedly, RTHD has taken 10 projects for widening 1,140 kilometres of regional highways and another 10 projects for widening and maintaining the standard of district highways.
We appreciate the government’s enthusiasm towards prioritising the country’s road and transportation sector in its development agenda. It needs no emphasising that the present government has been relentlessly working for the development of the country’s transport infrastructure.
Upgraded regional highways will facilitate
people's movement, transportation of goods
and bolster economic activities
Alongside the implementation of big projects like the Padma Bridge, metro rail, elevated expressway, and bullet train, it was the need of the hour that the government puts more importance on improving district roads and highways to make regional connectivity easier and faster.
This was more of a necessity for creating conducive environment for fostering economic growth. Hence, the piece of news that the government is going to improve transport infrastructure across the country is really commendable.
We hope once these projects are executed, there will be a drastic change in the regional road network. Upgraded regional highways will facilate people's movement, transportation of goods and bolster economic activities.
Therefore, it is time for all relevant departments and stakeholders to put forth their concerted efforts to implement the projects within the stipulated timeframe. Besides, proper monitoring must be ensured while implementing the projects to curb any sort of corruption.
