Dhaka-Chattogram highway to be 10 lanes, feasibility study underway: Minister

The Dhaka-Chattogram highway will be expanded to 10 lanes, and a feasibility study is currently underway, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said.

The minister disclosed the information in parliament on Sunday, April 5, while responding to a question from Cumilla-6 MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the session.

"The highway will be widened to 10 lanes, and a feasibility study is already ongoing," the minister said.

He said several underpasses will be constructed as part of the expansion plan. "Under the feasibility study, three underpasses are planned. Additionally, two more underpasses will be built at Paduabazar intersection, bringing the total to five underpasses in that area."

Regarding the Paduabazar area, the minister said the existing overpass will be expanded to ease traffic congestion.

"Regarding the Paduabazar overpass expansion, we have already prepared a design. We believe we will be able to complete the work quickly and provide a permanent solution to the problem there," he added.

The minister said the project was initiated during the previous government's tenure, and the current administration is making necessary adjustments within the existing framework.

"The government has recently come to power. The MP has informed me about this matter. I have immediately sent the secretary and concerned officials of the Roads and Highways Department. They have visited the site. We have taken several steps. The MP will surely see visible progress soon," he said.