The government has decided to build a highway through the Rahmatpur-Hiza-Mehendiganj-Bhola route to bring the island district of Bhola under the country’s main road network.
The decision was taken at a meeting on Saturday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reviewed proposals for establishing direct road connectivity between Bhola, Barishal and Dhaka.
Three route options were discussed at the meeting.
The route proposed by the Roads and Highways Department—Barishal (Rahmatpur)-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola—was selected for development as the highway.
Tarique stressed the need for an integrated road network to overcome geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and facilitate trade and commerce. He also directed the authorities concerned to move ahead with the project on a priority basis.
Under the proposed project, existing roads along the route will be widened, while new road sections and three small bridges will be constructed, officials said.
A feasibility and viability assessment will be carried out quickly to determine the technical and economic requirements of the project before implementation.
Once completed, the highway is expected to establish direct road connectivity between Bhola and Barishal, Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Officials believe the project will significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs for residents and businesses in the district.
Bhola, surrounded by major rivers, has long remained heavily dependent on waterways for communication with the mainland. The proposed road link is expected to reduce that dependence and provide a faster and more reliable alternative.
Officials at the meeting said the Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route offers advantages in terms of distance, travel time and cost.
It could consequently become an important alternative corridor for travel between Bhola and both Dhaka and Barishal.
The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges and Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam; State Minister for Shipping and the Bridges Division Md Razib Ahsan; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Shakirul Islam Khan; Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Mohammad Ziaul Haque; Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf; Roads and Highways Department Chief Engineer Md Moniruzzaman; and senior officials from the relevant ministries and agencies.
