The interim government has put an end of the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway expansion plan, choosing instead railway system modernization for building a more sustainable transport future.
Sheikh Moinuddin, chief adviser overseeing the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and Ministry of Railways, said that the government’s priority had shifted from road widening to strengthening rail connectivity, reports UNB.
“For years, discussions have been ongoing about extending the Dhaka–Chattogram route to six or even ten lanes. But after evaluating land availability and long-term sustainability, we concluded that rail development offers greater benefits.”
Moinuddin noted that the final highway expansion may not exceed six lanes.
“Beyond that point, it’s more crucial to improve our railway system. Trains are faster, safer, and more punctual. If we can make the railway efficient, people will naturally prefer it over road travel,” he said.
He added that the decision was also influenced by land scarcity. “Expanding highways consumes vast amounts of land. Bangladesh can not afford to lose more farmland to road projects,” he explained.
Currently, rail freight accounts for just 2% of total goods transport- a figure Moinuddin described as “worryingly low” compared to international standards, where 25–30% of goods move by train.
“Our goal is to raise this share to 25%. It will reduce traffic congestion and make rail freight commercially viable,” he said.
To achieve that, the government is procuring new locomotives through international tenders and plans to introduce dedicated freight trains linking industrial zones directly with Chattogram Port. “This will cut travel time and operational costs significantly,” he added.
The Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, stretching to Teknaf, is the busiest transport artery, carrying the bulk of the country’s trade. Yet despite its four-lane structure, it remains heavily congested due to poor traffic management, overloading, and inadequate maintenance.
Traffic data from the Roads and Highways Department show that daily vehicle counts have surged from 35,482 in 2019 to over 46,500 in 2024.
Overloaded trucks continue to damage road surfaces, prompting annual repair costs exceeding Tk 860cr, according to Highway Police officials.
Congestion is especially severe at Daudkandi Toll Plaza, Gouripur Bazar, Chandina Bus Stand, and Madhaiya Bazar in Cumilla, as well as Bhatiari Point, Sitakunda Bus Stand, and Faujdarhat in Chattogram.
One of the most critical bottlenecks, Padua Bazar, where the Dhaka–Chattogram and Cumilla–Noakhali highways intersect, remains a major traffic hazard due to an unfinished loop and incomplete U-turn access.
