Budget bets big on roads and rails, new plans being implemented: State Minister

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 carries substantial allocations for road and rail infrastructure, with multiple mega projects lined up for implementation, State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid told parliament on Sunday (June 28).

Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget at the Jatiya Sangsad, the state minister said the Road Transport and Highways Division has been allocated approximately Tk 36,917 crore, of which Tk 30,741 crore is earmarked for development activities. A total of 106 development projects are currently under implementation across the country.

Outlining future plans, Habibur Rashid said the government intends to construct 3,000 kilometres of modern, safe expressways — a move he said would inject fresh momentum into trade, industry, tourism, and overall connectivity.

On easing Dhaka's chronic traffic congestion, the state minister said inter-district bus terminals located inside the capital are being relocated to the city's outskirts. Work is also underway to introduce monorail and electric vehicles alongside the existing metro rail network. A plan to train five lakh skilled drivers is simultaneously being rolled out to make future transport operations efficient and environment-friendly.

In the railway sector, Habibur Rashid said an allocation of approximately Tk 9,941 crore has been proposed. A feasibility study for the Dhaka-Cumilla Chord Line is currently in progress. The government is also advancing plans to introduce internet connectivity on all trains, install solar power at every railway station, expand passenger services, and add new locomotives and coaches to the fleet.

The state minister described the overall proposed budget of Tk 9 lakh 38 thousand crore as a roadmap for national development rather than a mere financial statement, crafted with the goal of strengthening the economy, generating employment, and propelling Bangladesh to a one trillion dollar economy by 2034.

He also praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visits to Malaysia and China, saying the tours had elevated Bangladesh's diplomatic and economic relations to a new level and opened fresh avenues for trade, investment, technology, and strategic cooperation.

On his own constituency of Dhaka-9, the state minister acknowledged persistent infrastructure gaps including bamboo bridges in several areas, and called for targeted development measures. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for directing the upgrading of Mugda Medical College Hospital from 500 to 1,000 beds.