As Bangladesh embarks on this ambitious infrastructure journey, navigating challenges such as funding constraints, project delays, and environmental considerations will be crucial
The Bangladesh Bridges Authority (BBA) has unveiled an ambitious master plan to execute 77 projects over the next 30 years, aiming to enhance the country’s connectivity through the construction of 47 bridges, three tunnels, and 27 expressways. The plan also prioritizes 13 projects for implementation by 2035, with a focus on improving communication links between the eastern and western regions of Bangladesh. The BBA’s initiative has received mixed reactions from experts, with some expressing optimism about its potential to boost connectivity and reduce logistics costs. In contrast, others have raised concerns about its economic viability and the need for thorough cost-benefit analysis.
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The master plan includes the construction of multiple bridges over the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers, as well as the development of an elevated expressway, an inner elevated circular road, and a subway within the capital city. The plan also involves the engagement of TYPSA Consulting Engineers & Architects, a Spanish company, as a consultant for the implementation of the master plan. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the phased execution of all projects, with feasibility and pre-feasibility studies already underway for several initiatives.
Expert Opinions
While some experts, such as Dr. Mustafa K Mujeri, have cautioned against the immediate implementation of such an ambitious plan due to the current economic situation, others, like Ferdaus Ara Begum, have acknowledged the need for further investment in infrastructure to reduce logistics costs. Md Mamun-Al-Rashid has stressed the importance of assessing the potential returns of each infrastructure project and addressing inefficiencies in project implementation. Dr. Mustafa K Mujeri, former Director General of BIDS, expressed concerns about the ambitious nature of the plan, stating that given the current economic situation, it might be preferable not to implement such a plan. He emphasized that projects of this magnitude could exert significant pressure on the economy and suggested that new projects should only be undertaken after the completion of all the mega projects currently under implementation.
On the other hand, Ferdaus Ara Begum, chief executive officer of the Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), commended the proactive steps taken by the BBA. She highlighted the notably high logistics costs in Bangladesh and the potential benefits of further investment in infrastructure facilities, despite the presence of significant infrastructure such as the Padma Bridge. However, she cautioned that while many projects may initially seem economically viable or attractive to the private sector, a thorough cost-benefit analysis might reveal alternative approaches.
Md. Mamun-Al-Rashid, former secretary of the Planning Commission, stressed the importance of assessing the potential returns of every infrastructure project. He pointed out that many projects in the country are being implemented at costs 4-5 times higher than market prices and emphasized the need to prioritize this issue in the master plan. He also highlighted the inefficiencies and lack of proper surveys in project implementation, which lead to delays and increased costs.
Projects by 2035
While the initiative has garnered positive reception from some quarters, with experts lauding its potential to bolster national connectivity, others remain skeptical about its feasibility amidst prevailing economic challenges.
Highlighting the prioritization strategy embedded within the master plan, 13 projects are slated for implementation by 2035. These projects aim to fortify communication links between the eastern and western regions of the country, fostering greater economic integration and development across disparate areas.
Key among these priority projects are the construction of two bridges over the Padma River along the Paturia-Goalanda and Pabna-Rajbari roads, three bridges over the Meghna River along the Shariatpur-Chandpur, Gazaria-Munshiganj, and Bhola-Lakshmipur roads, in addition to a tunnel beneath the Jamuna River.
The selection of Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha and Bahadurabad in Jamalpur as sites for the Jamuna River tunnel underscores the meticulous planning and site selection process underlying the master plan.
BBA’s Ambitious Infrastructure Master Plan: Expressways, Bridges, Subways
The Bangladesh Bridges Authority (BBA) has unveiled an extensive master plan for several key infrastructure projects. The plan includes the construction of the Dhaka East-West Elevated Expressway, a bridge over the Tentulia and Kalabadar rivers, an Inner Elevated Circular Road in Dhaka, a subway in Dhaka, a tunnel or bridge on the Cox’s Bazar-Maheshkhali Channel, a 22 km Elevated Expressway in Haor in Sunamganj and Netrokona, and the 2nd Muktarpur Bridge over the Dhaleshwari River along the Dhaka-Munshiganj Road.
The Dhaka East-West Elevated Expressway is designed to connect Hemayetpur on the Dhaka-Aricha highway, the Dhaka-Mawa highway, and Langalbandh on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. This project aims to provide an alternative route for vehicles originating from eastern, southwestern, and northwestern districts, allowing them to bypass Dhaka city. The feasibility study conducted in 2017 proposed a length of 39.23 kilometers for the expressway, with an estimated cost of Tk16,388.50 crore.
The plan also includes the construction of a bridge over the Tentulia and Kalabadar rivers on the Barisal-Bhola Road. The feasibility study for this 10.86-kilometer-long bridge is currently under review, with preliminary findings suggesting an estimated investment of Tk17,466.32 crore.
Furthermore, the master plan outlines the construction of an Inner Elevated Circular Road in Dhaka, expected to be completed by 2035. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Dhaka and Narayanganj.
Additionally, the plan includes the construction of a subway in Dhaka, covering approximately 238 kilometers across a total of 11 routes. The consultancy firm overseeing the feasibility study proposes that the first four routes should be completed by 2030, with an estimated cost of Tk3,37,299 crore.
The master plan also proposes the construction of a tunnel or bridge on the Cox’s Bazar-Maheshkhali Channel, with the pre-feasibility study currently underway. The estimated cost for this project is Tk8,093.21 crore.
Moreover, the plan includes the construction of a 22-kilometer elevated expressway in Sunamganj and Netrakona, with a pre-feasibility study expected to conclude by June 2024. This project, with an estimated cost of Tk14,858 crore, is anticipated to enhance road connectivity with the northern region of the country.
Finally, the plan proposes the construction of the 2nd Muktarpur Bridge over the Dhaleshwari River along the Dhaka-Munshiganj Road.
Conclusion
The master plan represents a significant step towards the development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure, with the potential to improve the country’s connectivity and reduce logistics costs. However, it is essential to address the concerns raised by experts and ensure the thoroughness of feasibility studies and project management to maximize the benefits of these initiatives and mitigate potential economic risks.
