The government has unveiled plans to develop a nearly 3,000-kilometre expressway network as part of a long-term strategy to modernise the country’s road transport system with safer, smarter and more efficient infrastructure.
According to a budget document, the government will identify potential expressway corridors and conduct feasibility studies to expand the nationwide network. The plan also includes building an integrated multimodal transport system connecting road, rail, water and air routes.
The government aims to introduce smart technologies for axle-load control, establish new control stations and expand digital toll collection to improve road management.
It also plans to reduce congestion in Dhaka through ring roads and radial roads, while promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure and improving road safety.
The transport sector roadmap includes major reforms in bus services, including route rationalisation, replacement of ageing buses with electric vehicles and improved training for professional drivers.
For FY2026-27 and the medium term, the government plans to establish an integrated and sustainable road and public transport system. The proposed measures include enacting the Metropolitan Transport Authority Act, introducing metro rail-based feeder services and adopting transit-oriented development plans.
The government will also prepare technical manuals, promote electric vehicles and introduce an automated vehicle fitness certification system. Around 5,50,000 professional drivers will receive training under the initiative.
The budget document said roads neglected for years are being brought under accelerated repair and renovation programmes to ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity across the country.
In urban transport, the government plans to expand integrated ticketing systems, Rapid Pass services and online platforms to improve transparency and efficiency.
It is also pursuing a six-line metro rail network for Dhaka and nearby areas. Construction of MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) is progressing, while planning activities for MRT Line-5 (Southern Route), MRT Line-2 and MRT Line-4 are underway.
A monorail-based feeder network is planned to connect metro rail terminals with different destinations, while electric buses will be introduced gradually in Dhaka.
The plans also include women-friendly and safer transport services, along with fully electric metro rail and bus systems to reduce air and noise pollution.
The Bridges Division is set to accelerate construction of major bridges and elevated expressways to cut travel time and transport costs.
The government also plans to increase investment in the bridge and expressway sector, construct the Second Jamuna Bridge and implement the Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway.
Projects under public-private partnership arrangements will be pursued to strengthen transport connectivity.
The government said the transport-sector initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals and are aimed at creating a safer, more efficient and integrated transport network.
