United News of Bangladesh

The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop a nationwide network of nearly 3,000 kilometres of expressways as part of a long-term strategy to build a safer, modern and technology-driven road transport system. According to a budget document, the government plans to identify potential expressway corridors and conduct feasibility studies as part of its long-term road development strategy. It also plans to develop an integrated multimodal transport system linking road, rail, water and air transport, while introducing smart technologies for axle-load control and setting up new control stations. The government has also planned measures to improve road safety, reduce congestion in Dhaka through ring roads and radial roads, expand digital toll collection and promote environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Bus services are also set for major changes, with plans to rationalise bus routes, gradually replace ageing buses with electric ones and improve driver training. For FY2026-27 and the medium term, the government plans to establish an integrated and sustainable road and public transport system. Among the proposed measures are enactment of a Metropolitan Transport Authority Act, introduction of metro rail-based feeder services and adoption of transit-oriented development plans. The government also plans to prepare technical manuals, promote electric vehicles and introduce an automated vehicle fitness certification system. Training will be provided to nearly 5,50,000 professional drivers. The budget document said roads that have remained neglected and deteriorated for years are being brought under accelerated repair and renovation programmes to ensure smooth and uninterrupted road communication across the country. In urban transport, the government plans to expand integrated ticketing systems, Rapid Pass services and online platforms to improve transparency and efficiency in public transportation. It is also pursuing a six-line metro rail network for Dhaka and its surrounding areas. Construction of MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (Northern Route) is progressing, while planning activities for MRT Line-5 (Southern Route), MRT Line-2 and MRT Line-4 are underway. A monorail-based feeder network is planned to connect metro rail terminal points with different destinations. The government also intends to introduce electric buses gradually in Dhaka. The plans include developing women-friendly and safer transport services and expanding fully electric metro rail and bus systems to reduce air and noise pollution. The Bridges Division is also set to accelerate the construction of major bridges and elevated expressways to reduce travel time and transport costs. The government plans to expand electronic toll collection, introduce smart traffic management and use environmentally sustainable technologies in infrastructure management. Looking ahead, it plans to increase investment in the bridge and expressway sector, construct the Second Jamuna Bridge and implement the Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway. Projects under public-private partnership arrangements will also be pursued as part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen the country’s road and transport connectivity. The government said the transport-sector plans have been adopted in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and are intended to build a safer, more efficient and integrated transport network.

A parliamentary watchdog has recommended taking necessary steps to stop plying of already declared illegal battery-run three wheelers on the highways under the eight divisions to ensure road safety. The recommendation came on Monday at 15th meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Road Transport and Bridges ministry at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its chairman Rowshan Ara Mannan MP, in the chair. The committee also asked the ministry to take the steps with the coordination of divisional commissioners, deputy inspector generals and additional inspector generals of police (Highway) based in the eight divisions. The meeting also held an elaborate discussion on the latest activities and progress on the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project connecting Gazipur with the capital city. Expressing dissatisfaction over the printing of smart driving license and its distribution, the committee also asked the authorities concerned to inform about the distribution process soon. Read: Expedite work on Sheikh Hasina Nakshipalli Jamalpur project: JS body It also recommended necessary steps about training for newly appointed employees of Roads and Highways Department.   Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and other committee members including Enamul Hoque, Abu Zahir, Rezwan Ahmed Toufique, Salim Uddin and Sheikh Salahuddin were present.

The government is going to bring three-wheelers under registration to bring down road accidents and ensure safety, Transport Minister Obaidul Quader said Thursday.

The much-talked-about Road Transport Act will come into effect on Friday.