Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam announced the government's plan to complete the six-lane upgrade of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway by June 2029. The minister emphasized that land acquisition, construction, and other project activities are being expedited to meet this deadline.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made these remarks while addressing reporters during an inspection of the SASEC Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development Project in the Shashai area of Bijoynagar upazila, Brahmanbaria. The minister highlighted the strategic importance of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway and noted that several measures have been implemented to expedite the six-laning project.
Over the past six months, land acquisition for the project has achieved approximately 56 percent completion. The minister expressed optimism that the acquisition process would be fully completed within the next two months. Physical progress on the project is advancing, with work on eight of the 13 project packages progressing as expected, though the remaining five packages lag behind.
Addressing the challenges, the minister explained that issues causing delays have been identified, and efforts are underway to resolve them swiftly to accelerate the project. He also emphasized that the development of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway is vital for enhancing the country's economy, trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
Upon completion, the highway project is expected to improve communication between Dhaka and the northeastern region, facilitating faster, safer, and smoother travel. This, in turn, is anticipated to boost business, trade, and economic activities in the area.
Acknowledging the temporary inconvenience faced by commuters due to ongoing construction, the minister assured that measures are being taken to minimize public discomfort while expediting project work. He instructed officials and contractors to prioritize construction quality, adhere to the project timeline, and ensure road safety.
During his visit, the minister reviewed the progress on the Kanchpur-Narsingdi, Brahmanbaria, and Habiganj sections of the project. He provided necessary directions for implementation, urging coordination among all involved agencies to ensure timely completion. Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, project officials, and representatives of the contractors were present during the inspection.