Tk 15,000cr road projects in north await approval
GOLAM MOSTAFA JIBON from Rajshahi
The roads and highways department (RHD) has undertaken two projects involving around Tk. 15,255 crore, in a bid to prevent frequent accidents and improve trade and commerce in the northern region through the establishment of a regional link. The projectsthe Cross Border Road Network Improvement Project and South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Link Project-2are currently awaiting approval. Under these projects, a highway of around 190km from Elenga to Rangpur via Hatikumrul in Sirajganj will be converted into four lanes, while 17 bridges will be built. Besides, culverts and link roads will be set up at different points. An amount of Tk. 12,000 crore will come from foreign aid. Meanwhile, proposals of the two projects have sent to the Planning Commission by the RHD, officials said.
According to sources in the Planning Commission, eight new highways are going to connect the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Asian highway (road connectivity) project with the proposed economic corridor between Bangladesh, India, China and Myanmar. The length of these roads will be around 600km. Of these, a 190km stretch from Elenga to Rangpur via Hatikumrul in Sirajganj district will be converted into four lanes in the first phase. The highway will play a vital role in expanding business in the northern region and establish road communication between India and Nepal via Burimari-Banglabandha. The RHD will implement the project to convert the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur highway into four lanes by December 2020. The project proposal, showing an estimated cost of Tk. 12,741 crore, was submitted to the Planning Commission in January. Of the sum, Tk. 10,133.64 crore will come from foreign funds, while the government will spend Tk. 3,270 crore.
RHD sources in Sirajganj said 12,000 to 29,000 vehicles ply between Dhaka and North Bengal everyday via the Bangabandhu Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge. In 2020, the figure will cross 43,000.
In recent times, the number of accidents on this highway has sharply increased. Separate lanes will be constructed on both sides of the highway to ensure smooth plying of vehicles. Three flyovers, over 2.5km long each, will also be built at the three important points of the highway.
RHD secretary MN Siddique said a portion of the road from Rangpur via Burimari of Lalmonirhat and Banglabandha of Panchagorh will play a vital role in improving the trade and commerce of Bangladesh with its neighbouring countries, India and Nepal. If the project is implemented in a timely manner, employment opportunities will significantly increase. Besides, commuting time between Dhaka and the northern region will become shorter.
On the other hand, another projectthe Cross Border Road Network Improvement Project (Bangladesh)is also awaiting approval. It will be implemented at Sharsha and Jhikorgachha upazilas in Jessore, Norail Sadar and Lohagora upazilas in Norail, Kashiani upazila in Gopalganj, Mirershorai, Fatikchhori, Patiya and Chandonaish upazilas in Chittagong and Chakariya upazila in Coxs Bazaar district. The RHD submitted the proposal with an estimated cost of Tk. 2,514.38 crore to the commission. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to provide an assistance of Tk. 1,815.77 crore. Planning Commission sources said the RHD has sent a list to the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) this year, requesting it to list 10 projects. Of them, two projects are significant.
