Chattogram: Railways, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today emphasized that traffic congestion cannot be resolved merely by expanding roads, advocating for a strategic shift of at least 20 percent of passenger and goods transport to rail and waterways to alleviate highway congestion. He articulated these views during an exchange meeting with officials from the Roads and Highways Department and Bangladesh Railway at the Roads Building in the Agrabad area of the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fouzul highlighted the necessity of implementing a multimodal transport policy that integrates roads, railways, and inland waterways. He pointed out that simply widening highways often results in increased traffic volumes rather than alleviating congestion. Hence, he underscored that road construction projects should be justified based on their economic and social significance. He further asserted that unnecessary road projects, which have been undertaken in the past, will no longer be sanctioned.
In addressing ongoing infrastructure projects, the adviser mentioned that work on the new Kalurghat Bridge is progressing, albeit with challenges posed by river dynamics. He also noted that hazardous bends on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway are slated for straightening, with the tender process for this initiative already completed.
Fouzul concluded by emphasizing the prudent use of resources, particularly in relation to land acquisition, which he noted must be managed carefully due to the competing demands for land.