The government has moved to convert a 99.42-kilometre stretch of the Bonpara-Kushtia-Jhenaidah road into a four-lane highway at an estimated cost of Tk9,899 crore.

Once implemented, this highway is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economic, commercial, and transport sectors by stimulating economic activity in the southwestern region, promoting trade, and enhancing connectivity.

The project involves the construction of service lanes on both sides of the highway as well, providing dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles.

This is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion and accidents, while also easing the transportation of commercial goods and improving travel comfort and efficiency.

A senior official from the Planning Commission told the Daily Sun that the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges already submitted the proposal for the “Hatikumrul-Bonpara-Jhenaidah Highway Improvement Project: Bonpara-Kushtia-Jhenaidah Portion (Phase I)” to the commission.

On 15 October, the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) convened to discuss the proposal. The meeting, presided over by Suleman Khan, member (secretary) of the Physical Infrastructure Division under the Planning Commission, reviewed various aspects of the project in detail.

According to the official, considerations such as the security of the nearby Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the estimated road construction costs were assessed in the meeting.

The commission recommended several revisions, and the project is expected to be resubmitted with these amendments, he added.

Pending final approvals, the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) plans to commence the project in 2024, with an estimated budget of Tk9,899.56 crore.

Of this figure, Tk3,473.42 crore will come from the government, Tk6,408.5 crore from foreign loans, and Tk17.64 crore as grants.

The target for the completion of the project is December 2029.

According to the project proposal, the will enhance connectivity between the country’s northwestern and southwestern regions, linking major commercial hubs.

The Bonpara-Kushtia-Jhenaidah highway is a critical corridor, connecting key locations such as Benapole Land Port, Bhomra Land Port, Mongla Seaport, the Sundarbans, and Darshana ICD, thereby facilitating seamless trade and fostering economic growth nationwide.

An additional chief engineer from the Roads and Highways Department noted that the project’s social and economic impacts were thoroughly discussed during the PEC meeting, with particular focus on the region that would benefit most.

The current two-lane road, which carries an average of 12,407 vehicles daily, is insufficient to accommodate future traffic demand, that is why the RHD recommend a four-lane road, he added.

“The project also takes into account the security of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which is situated 20 to 30 meters from the road.

Expansion plans would be finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure the plant’s safety,” an official from the RHD said.

According to the RHD, the first PEC meeting on this project was held on 19 January 2022. Initially, the project cost was estimated at Tk5,513.98 crore for 66.82 kilometres of road construction, with a timeline from January 2022 to December 2026.

Later, an additional 32.60 kilometres from Bonpara to Lalon Shah Bridge was included, raising the cost to Tk10,659.05 crore and extending the timeline to December 2028.

However, in the latest PEC meeting held on 15 October last, the project cost was lowered to Tk9,899 crore.

International funding, including support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Bank, has also been secured for the project.

The proposal also includes Tk69.79 crore for establishing an IT and OFC system to support efficient system design and cost assessment.

IMED officials recommended detailed descriptions of the project’s objectives and funding allocations, along with procurement by item type.

The Planning Commission advised thorough financial and economic analysis to ensure cost-effectiveness, emphasising budget discipline given the current economic landscape.

Accurate estimates for land acquisition, resettlement, and other expenses are essential. The finance ministry proposed a cost review, citing relatively higher expenses compared to similar projects.

Upon completion, the upgraded highway will strengthen connectivity with Bangladesh’s major land and sea ports, supporting faster and more cost-effective import and export activities.

This improvement will boost economic activity in the southwestern region and contribute to national economic growth, officials said.

BDST: 1320 HRS, OCT 29, 2024