The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will finance a mega project undertaken by the government for upgrading Dhaka-Sylhet highway into four-lane aiming at expanding regional transport network to bring mobility in trade and industry. Sources of Economic Relations Division (ERD) said, the ADB has agreed to give fund for one of the government’s priority projects to upgrade the 214.44 kilometre Dhaka-Sylhet highways into a four-lane one.
“Planning Minister MA Mannan has approved primary development project proposal (PDPP) titled ‘Improvement of Dhaka (Kanchpur)-Sylhet Road into Four Lane Highway and Construction of Service Lane on Both Sides’ aiming to get foreign fund for implementing the project. The project at an estimated cost of Tk 14,140 crore will be completed by December 2023.
Earlier, the planning ministry asked ERD to take necessary steps for getting foreign assistance to implement the project. In a short time, ERD has sought foreign assistance for the project. The Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) earlier prepared the proposal which was sent to the planning commission for approval.
An official of the planning ministry told Bangladesh Post that the project was now under the project evaluation committee (PEC). ADB’s fund assistance has been included in the DPP. After the approval of PEC, it would be sent to the executive committee of national economic council (ECNEC) for the final approval from the government’s highest policy body, he added.
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) will implement the 214 kilometres project that will have 321 culverts, 70 bridges, five railway overpasses, four flyovers, 10 underpasses, 42 footbridges, three truck stands and two rest houses, the official said. The aim of the project was to expand regional transport network, including the Asian Highway Network, BIMSTEC and SAARC corridors, to bring mobility in trade and industry, he added.
The priority project has been included in the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP). The planning minister has agreed to partially fund the expansion of Dhaka-Sylhet into four lanes from the Government of Bangladesh (GoB). Earlier, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has completed the feasibility study of the project.
About the matter, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said ‘it’s a good and positive news as ADB has agreed to finance the government’s priority project of updating Dhaka-Sylhet highway into four lane. The ministry will take steps to implement the mega project with ADB fund, he added.
