Japan begins study under BIG-B on integrated transport plan

Japan has started conducting a study on the Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox's Bazar corridor, aimed at formulating an integrated transport plan and policy guideline as part of an initiative to establish the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B).
Officials said the data collection survey has begun this month, with a target to complete the whole study by November this year.
They said traffic analysis and traffic demand projection will be done under the study to plan for future development of rail, road and inland water transports.
Bangladesh joined the BIG-B initiative of Japan following Bangladesh Prime Minister's visit to Japan in 2014, followed by her Japanese counterpart's visit to Bangladesh.
The visits were considered to have boosted the bilateral relationship between the two countries to a new height with a clear vision of economic cooperation.  
According to a source, a study team will soon visit Bangladesh to hold talks with the relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
The agencies include Roads Transport and Highways Division, Bridges Division, Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Bridge Authority, Bangladesh Railway, Chittagong Port Authority, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation.
The team will also hold discussion with the Economic Relations Division, Planning Commission and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to establish links with the Dhaka-Chittagong corridor transportation system.
Officials said the study will suggest ideas of policy guidelines and regulations to be needed for creating an environment of transportation system for the corridor.
The BIG-B initiative is to accelerate industrial agglomeration along the Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox's Bazar belt area and beyond, encompassing development of economic infrastructure, improving investment environment and fostering connectivity.
The initiative designed on three pillars - industry and trade, energy, and transportation - is expected to maximise utilisation of Japan's advanced technologies and socioeconomic development experiences as a strategy to yield mutual benefits and prosperity for both the countries.
Under the Japan-Bangladesh Comprehensive Partnership signed during the prime ministers' visits in June and September in 2014, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced to provide US$ 6.0 billion mainly on ODA in four to five years to Bangladesh.
smunima@yahoo.com