Dhaka-Ctg highway's 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway

The government has decided to abandon plans to expand the Dhaka-Chattogram highway to a 10-lane road, instead it is focusing on upgrading the country's railway network, reports UNB.
The decision comes in response to growing land constraints and the need for a sustainable transport system, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Chief Adviser on matters relating to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Ministry of Railways, in an interview with the news agency.
"There has been extensive discussion about expanding the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway to six or 10 lanes. However, no final decision has been taken yet. The maximum expansion may be up to six lanes. Beyond that, it is more important to focus on rail travel rather than further road widening," he said.
Moinuddin emphasised that trains are a fast, safe, and punctual mode of transport, and improving the railway system could shift many people away from driving. "That is why we are emphasising the modernisation of the rail line. At present, plans are underway to renovate and upgrade the Dhaka-Chattogram railway."
He also pointed out that road expansion would consume more land, a critical concern given Bangladesh's existing land scarcity.
"Currently, only 2 per cent of goods are transported by rail, which is equivalent to around 2 per cent of GDP. My focus is on railway development to ease pressure on roads, as rail is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly," Moinuddin said.
Comparing it with international standards, he added, "In many countries, 25 to 30 per cent of goods are transported by rail, whereas in Bangladesh the figure is just 2 per cent.”