CHATTOGRAM, Dec 24: The detailed design of a project to upgrade the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway from four lanes is expected to be completed by 2025. The work will begin in June 2026, officials of the Road and Highway Department (RHD) said.
Project Director (PD) of the project and Additional Chief Engineer of RHD, Md Sabbir Hasan Khan, said that the RHD and the Consultant have been working to prepare a feasibility study report, Development of Project Proposal (DPP), and tender processing.
The appointed consultant, SMEC, is likely to submit a draft feasibility study report in March 2025, he added.
He mentioned, "A total of five foreign and local companies are engaged in making the design of the 8-lane Dhaka-Chattogram Highway." Considering the pressure of vehicles, the highway will have 8 lanes in some areas and 6 lanes in others, he informed.
Sources said that the RHD submitted a plan of three phases to upgrade the 229 KM Dhaka-Chattogram highway into an 8-lane one.
As a result, three separate Detailed Project Plans (DPP) are included in the total project.
One phase, which includes the Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj 38 km road, will cost Tk 82.68 billion. The second phase from Comilla to Feni, covering 125 km, will cost Tk 459.41 billion, and the third phase from Feni to Chattogram City Gate, covering 66 km, will need Tk 189.42 billion.
RHD sources said that the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and other donor agencies will finance the project.
In 2025, the authorities will float tenders and complete the DPP. The project may begin in June 2026.
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