2.3 Bangladesh Road Network
Page 1 Page 2 Overview Roads and Highways Department (RHD) Road Network at a Glance Important Highway Conditions Development Projects Road Distance Matrix Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) Dhaka Transport Co-ordination Authority (DTCA) Road Security Bridges of Bangladesh International Corridors Leading to Bangladesh Asian Highway
Overview
The main road network of the country is under the Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Maintenance of the roads including bridges is carried out by RHD. There is approximately 21,483 km of roads under this department. The road network capable to carry vehicles has increased significantly and is increasing every year. Bangladesh government realises the importance of road maintenance and the RHD has given more emphasis on this subject. Only a few years back there was no proper planning and system for road maintenance and international agencies assisted the Government of Bangladesh to address and solve the problem.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges is the body for formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and laws relating to road transport, national highways and bridges. Bangladesh has 4 ministries responsible for transportation within the country. They are:
Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges- responsible for road safety. Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism- responsible for civil aviation. Ministry of Shipping- responsible for maritime transport. Ministry of Railways- responsible for rail transport.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has 2 Divisions : the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Bridge Division. RHD has again 4 components
Roads and Highways Department Bangladesh Road Transport Authority Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority
Roads and Highways Department (RHD)
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) within the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, is responsible for the management of approximately 21,483 km comprising 3 categories of road classes (National, Regional and Zilla road).
List of Officers- RHD
Sl Office Name & Designation Cell No E-mail
1 Chief Engineer, RHD 01730782500 [email protected]
2 Addl Chief Engineer (Dhaka Planning & Maintenance Wing) 01730782520 [email protected]
3 Addl Chief Engineer, (Dhaka Zone) 01730782592 [email protected]
4 Addl Chief Engineer (Chattogram Zone) 01730782677 [email protected]
5 Addl Chief Engineer (Rajshahi Zone) 01730782703 [email protected]
6 Addl Chief Engineer (Cumilla Zone) 01730782639 [email protected]
7 Addl Chief Engineer (Rangpur Zone) 01730782725 [email protected]
8 Addl Chief Engineer (Khulna Zone) 01730782754 [email protected]
9 Addl Chief Engineer (Barisal Zone) 01730782782 [email protected]
10 Addl Chief Engineer (Sylhet Zone) 01730782660 [email protected]
Road Network at a Glance
Road Data
Page 3 Road length by classification
National Highway 3,544.06 Km
Regional Highway 4,280.02 Km
Zilla Road 13,659.13 Km
Total Road Length 21,483.21 Km
Road Length by Surface Type according to latest survey
Bituminous 16,815.61 Km
Earth 698.47 Km
HBB 660.81 Km
Cement Concrete (CC) 2.44 Km
Cement Blocks 0.37 Km
Total Paved Road Length 17,516.89 Km
Total Unpaved Road Length 660.81 Km
Total Surveyed Road Length 18,177.70 Km
Length of Road Not Surveyed 3,305.51 Km
Number of Culverts
Slab Culvert 3991
Box Culvert 9441
Arch Masonry 318
Pipe Culvert 1
Total Number of Culverts 13751
Number of Bridges
Truss with Timber Deck 8
Truss with RCC Slab 68
RCC Bridge 325
RCC Girder Bridge 4089
Steel Beam & RCC Slab 335
PC Box 9
Baily with Steel Deck 1438
Baily with Timber Deck 36
Truss with Steel Deck 538
PC Girder Bridge 895
Total Number of Bridges 7741
Total Number of Structures 21492
Page 4 Categories of Roads
National Highways connect the national capital with different divisional and old district headquarters port cities and international highways. These roads have been categorised as National Highways considering the national importance and geographical positions. Each National Highway has been provided with a name and a number, such as Dhaka-Chattogram Highway has been numbered N-1 whereas N stands for National. This number can only be changed by RHD headquarters.
Highway Detailed Route Length No.
N1 Dhaka (N8) - Katchpur (N2) - Madanpur (N105) - Mainamati (N102) - Cumilla (R140) - Feni (N104) - Chattogram (N106) - 455 km Manashertek (N107) - SaBDTania (N108) - Ramu (N109) - Cox's Bazar (N110) - Teknaf
N2 Katchpur (N1) - Bhulta (N105) - Sarail (N102) - Jagadishpur (N204) - Shaistaganj (N204) - Mirpur(N207) - Sherpur (N207) - S 286 km ylhet (N205, *N208) - Jaintiapur - Jaflong
N3 Dhaka - Progoti Sarani (N301) - Tongi (N302) - Joydebpur (N105, N4) - Mymensingh 112 km
N4 Joydebpur (N3, R310) - Kadda (N105) - Tangail (N404) - Elenga (N405) - Madhupur (N401) - Jamalpur 146 km
N5 Dhaka - Mirpur Bridge (N501) - Nabinagar (R505) - Manikganj (R504) -Muljan - Uthali (N503) - (ferry) - Natakhola - Baderhat 507 km (N505, N513) - Kashinathpur (N6, N504) - Shahjanpur (N515) - Banani (N514) - Bogura western bypass: Jahangirabad (N502) - Tinmatha (N510) - Matidali (N514, N515) - Mordern More (N506) - Rangpur bypass (N517) - Saidpur bypass (N518) - Beldanga (N508) - Thakurgaon - Panchagarh - Tentulia - IND (Banglabandha)
N6 Kashinathpur (N5, N504) - Pabna bypass (N604) - Gaspara (N604) - Dasuria (N704, N705) - Banpara (N507) - Harispur 150 km (N602) - Chawk Bidaynath (N602) - Belpukur (N603) - Rajshahi (R680)
N7 Daulatdia Ferryghat - Goalchamot (N803) - Magura (N704) - Arappur (N704) - Jhenaidah - Hamdah (N703) - Palbari (N707, 252 km N708) - Chanchra (N706) - Murail (N707) - Phultala (N709) - Khulna - (ferry) - Kudir Battala (N709) – Digraj
N8 Dhaka - Mawa Ferryghat (R812) - (ferry) - Bhanga (N804, N805) - Barisal (N809) - Patuakhali 191 km
N102 Sarail (N2) - Ghaturia (N103) - Brahmanbaria - Kuatali (N103) - Mainamati (N1) 82 km
N104 Feni (N1) - Chowmohani (R140) - Noakhali - Somapur R140 connects to N809 at Lakshmipur 49 km
N105 Kadda (N4) - Joydebpur (N3) - DeBoguram (N301) - Bhulta (N2) - Madanpur (N1) Dhaka eastern bypass, partly under 49 km construction
N106 Chattogram (N1) - Hathazari - Rangamati 65 km
N107 Manashertek (N1) - Boalkhali 12 km
N108 SaBDTania (N1) - Bandarban (R161) 22 km
N204 Jagadishpur (N2) - Chunarughat - Shaistaganj (N2) 34 km
N207 Mirpur (N2) - Srimangal - Moulvibazar (N208) - Sherpur (N2) 68 km
N208 Moulvibazar (N207) - Sylhet bypass (N2, N209) 59 km
N301 Progoti Smarini (N3) - DeBoguram (N105) under construction 13 km
N302 Tongi (N3) - Dhour (N501) - Yearpur (N511) - Baipal (R505) R505 connects to N5 at Nabinagar 18 km
N309 Khagdahar (N401) - Mymensingh bypass (N3) 13 km
N401 Madhupur (N4) - Khagdahar (N309) - Mymensingh (N3) 47 km
N405 Elenga (N4) - Hatikamrul (N5, N507) 18 km
N501 Mirpur Bridge (N5) - Berulia (N511) - Dhour (N302) 14 km
N502 Natore (N602) - Bogura (N5) 63 km
N506 Mordern More (N5) - Lalbag more (N517) - Barabari (N509) - Kurigram 50 km
Page 5 N507 Hatikamrul (N5, N405) - Banpara (N6) 51 km
N508 Beldanga (N5) - Dinajpur (R585) 16 km
N509 Baranari (N506) - Lalmonirhat - Patgram - IND (Burimari) 105 km
N511 Berulia (N501) - Yearpur (N302) 13 km
N513 Baderhat (N5, N505) – Khayerchar 11 km
N515 Shahjanpur (N5) - Matidali Bogura eastern bypass, under construction 16 km
N603 Belpukur (N6) - Paba - Kashiadanga (R680) 21 km
N702 Magura (N7) - Jashore (N708, N706, N707) 44 km
N704 Dasuria (N6, N705) - Ruppur (N705) - Kushtia - Arappur (N7) - Jhenaidah (N703) 81 km
N706 Jashore (N702, N707) - Chanchra (N7) - Benapole (N711) - IND (NH35) 38 km
N709 Khulna bypass: Phultala (N7) - Kudir Battala (N7) 27 km
N804 Alipur (N803) - Bhanga (N8, N805) 32 km
N805 Bhanga (N8, N804) - Bhatiapara (N806) - Gopalganj (R850) - Mollarhat (R856) Gopalganj section under construction 80 km
N809 Barisal (N8) - (ferry) - Chatarmatha - (ferry) - Lakshmipur (R140) R140 connects to N104 at Chowmohani 50 km
Regional Highways connect different regions and new district headquarters not connected by National Highways and Zilla Roads. Regional Highways are named after National Highways of national importance. Names and numbers of these highways are decided such as Cumilla-Lalmai, R-140, whereas R stands for Regional meaning the Region. This number can only be changed by RHD headquarters.
Page 6 Zilla Roads are defined as Roads connecting Upazila head quarters and other important rural centres with the existing Road network. Name and numbers of these roads are decided such as Akhaura-Agartala, Z-1203 whereas Z stands for Zilla.
Important Highway Conditions
Dhaka-Chattogram- Cox’s Bazar Highway General Information
Total distance Approx 406 Km
Total travel time 9-10 hours
Road National Highway classification
Security (Good, Security is good, while road safety is bad as in the entire country marginal, bad)
Main towns/hubs Dhaka, Narayongonj, Munshigonj, Cumilla, Feni, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar
Seasonal Floods may occur temporarilly during the Monsoon season variations
Bridges and 4 (Kachpur, Meghna, Daudkandi and Karnaphuli bridge) Obstacles
Page 7 Traffic conditions Congested in few choke points
Dhaka-Sylhet-Tamabil Highway General Information
Total distance Approx 287 Km
Total travel time 5 to 6 hours
Road National Highway classification
Security (Good, Security is good, while road safety is bad as in the entire country marginal, bad)
Main towns/hubs Dhaka, Tarabo, Borpa, Bhulta, Pachdona, Shahepratap, Itakhola, Bhairab, Sarail, Jagadishpur, Shaistaganj, Mirpur, Aushkandi, Syedpur, Sherpur and Tamabil
Seasonal Floods may occur temporarilly during the Monsoon season variations
Bridges and 2 ( Kanchan, Bhairab, Sherpur, Keane and shari bridge) Obstacles
Trafic Condition Congested in few choke points
Dhaka-Banglabandha Highway General Information
Total distance Approx 529 Km
Total travel time 11-12 hours
Road National Highway classification
Security (Good, Security is good, while road safety is bad as in the entire country marginal, bad)
Main towns/hubs Dhaka, Manikgonj, Pabna, Sirajgonj, Bogura, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Nilphamari,Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchgarh. But shortcut is following N4 upto Jamuna bridge (via Gajipur and Tangail)
Seasonal Floods may occur temporarily during the Monsoon season variations
Bridges and Jamuna Bangabondhu bridge) Obstacles
Page 8 Trafic Condition Congested in few choke points
Dhaka-Jashore- Benapole Highway General Information
Total distance Approx 234 Km
Total travel time 7-8 hours
Road National Highway classification
Security (Good, Security is good, while road safety is bad as in the entire country marginal, bad)
Main towns/hubs Dhaka, Manikgonj, Faridpur, Magura, Jashore, Benapole (Follow N5, N7, N702 and N706)
Seasonal Floods may occur temporarilly during the Monsoon season variations
Bridges and (Paturia Ferry and Modhukhali Bridge) Obstacles
Trafic Condition Congested in few choke points
Dhaka-Gopalgonj-Mongla Highway General Information
Total distance Approx 240 Km
Total travel time 7-8 hours (excluding Ferry time)
Page 9 Road National Highway classification
Security (Good, Security is good, while road safety is bad as in the entire country marginal, bad)
Main towns/hubs Dhaka, Munshigonj, Mawa, Bhanga (Madaripur) (following N8), Gopalgonj (following N805), Bagerhat, then follow N7 to reach Mongla.
Seasonal Floods may occur temporarilly during the Monsoon season variations
Bridges and Babubazar/Postogola, Dhaleshwari bridge, Padma bridge/Ferry, Arial Khan and Mollahat bridge) Obstacles
Trafic Condition Congested in few choke points
Development Projects
The Bangladesh Road Master Plan 2007 estimated the medium growth forecast of both freight and passenger transport which will be 6% over the master plan period of 2005-25. As such, issues related to road network have been identified by RHD, which are follows:
National Highways are needed to be upgraded into 4/6 lanes with medians to commensurate with higher traffic growth and to improve road safety Construction of new bridges to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow including replacement and major repair of existing old narrow bridges for ensuring safety Road safety to be properly addressed in road design and enforced in traffic management Developing comfortable road network to enhance the tourism industry Maintenance needs a higher priority, more resources, improved management reform and better quality standard Institutional reform, and Digitalization of RHD activities
In addition, LGED under the purview of rural road master plan has been developing the farm to market roads. It has prioritized Upazila, Union and Village roads and a target was set for development of additional 22000 Km Upazila and Union Roads in future. The low lying topography requiring a substantial raised earth embankment of all kinds of roads, frequent flooding during monsoon due to global climate change phenomena and washing out the road embankment are emerging of challenges of the sector.
Important Ongoing Projects
Construction of Tunnel under the River Karnaphuli, Ctg
The implementation work of 3.40 kilometer long tunnel under the river Karnaphuli at a cost of BDT.8,446.46 crore is progressing and 20 percent of physical work has already been completed. This tunnel will connect west part of Chattogram city to East part, reduce traffic jam and ease direct road communication among Dhaka- Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar. Besides, it will contribute to GDP growth about 0.16 percent. The project has been approved in the ECNEC meeting in 24 November 2015. Land acquisition and preparation of detailed design work is in progress.
Construction of BRT Lane (Elevated Section)
Steps have been taken to construct of 20 kilometer long Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane at the cost of BDT.2,039.85 crore from Gazipur to Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) international Airport. Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) is responsible for implementation of 4.5-kilometer elevated section. The implementation work is progressing and expected to be completed in 2020
Construction of Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway
To construct about 24-kilometer-long Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway from Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) international airport to EPZ through Ashulia, the project has been approved by the ECNEC with an estimated cost of BDT. 16,901.32 crore. To construct the expressway on G-to-G basis, commercial agreement has been signed with a Chinese Government nominated company. It is expected to complete the project by 2022. It will connect Asian Highway Network and almost all National Highway. Moreover, it will reduce traffic congestion in Abdullahpur-Ashulia-Baipail-Chandra corridor.
Construction of Dhaka East-West Elevated Expressway
To construct about 39.24 kilometer long Elevated Expressway from Baliapur of Dhaka-Aricha highway to Langolbond of Dhaka-Chattogram road through Ni mtoli-Keranigonj-Fatulla-Bandor, PDPP has been approved with an estimated cost of BDT.16,388.50 crore. Malaysian Government has given proposal to construct it through G-to-G basis. This expressway will connect National Highways and Asian Highway. It will reduce traffic congestion in and around Dhaka city and traffic from Chattogram, Sylhet and other eastern part and from south western region through Padma Bridge to the north-western districts will be convenient.
Conduct Feasibility Study to Construct Subway (Underground Metro) in Dhaka city
Initiative has been taken to construct subway in order to reduce traffic jam in Dhaka city. In this process 4 preliminary alignments have been selected. But present plan is to construct route-1 (Tongi- Airport- Kakoli- Mohakhali- Moghbazar- Palton- Shapla Chottor-Sayedabad- Narayangonj Signboard) and Route-2 (Aminbazar-Gabtoli-Asad gate-New market-TSC-Ittefaq-Sayedabad). To conduct Feasibility Study, the consultant has been appointed with the cost of BDT.219.44 crore and study will start very soon.
Feasibility Study of Tunnel Under the River Jamuna
Page 10 Initiative has been taken to conduct feasibility study to construct tunnel under the river Jamuna which connects Gaibandha and Jamalpur district. The study will start in time after approval of proposed project by the concern authority.
Construction of Other Large Bridges
In order to maintain uninterrupted road network, initiatives have been taken to build new bridges at different location. As a part of this, feasibility study for construction of bridges at ‘Rahmatpur-Babugonj-Muladi-Hijla’ roads over Arialkha river, at ‘Lebukhali-dumki-boga-Doshamina-golacipa -Amragachi’ roads over Golacipa river, at ‘Kocua-betagi-Potuakhali-Lohalia-Kalia’ roads over Payra river has been completed. PDPP has been approved for these three proposed bridge costing of BDT.1,944.24 crore. It is expected that construction of these bridges will start very soon.
Moreover, feasibility study is going on for 5 other bridges; over Payra river in Patuakhali-Amtoli-Borguna roads, over Karkhana river in Bakergonj-Baufol roa d, over Meghna river in Bhulta-Araihazar-Nabinagar roads, over Bishkhali river in Borguna-Pathorghata road and over Tetulia and Kalabodor river which connect Barishal with Bhola. Construction work of these bridges will start in time.
Road Distance Matrix
Distance Matrix for all the districts of Bangladesh is shown as a chart below:
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA)
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) was Established under section 2A of Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1983, (Amendment-1987) Vide SRO No-303 /Law/87/MVRT/1E-7/84(part), Dated 20/12/87 and has been functioning since January 1988. BRTA is the regulatory body to control, manage and ensure discipline in the road transport sector and road safety related areas in Bangladesh. It is an authority under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges for carrying out the purposes mentioned in the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1983. The Chairman is the chief executive of the authority. He exercises such power and performs such function as prescribed by rules and assigned by the government from time to time. For further details please see http://www.brta.gov.bd
Activities of BRTA
Controlling and regulating road transport by executing motor vehicle acts, issuing route permits and fixing rates and fares of buses and trucks
Page 11 Conducting regular activities like: Issuing driving license, fitness certificates, registration certificates and Driving Instructor's license Registering schools for motoring Organizing and conducting workshop Seminars for delivering information regarding safe driving and traffic regulations Making research and development for developing ideas and methodologies for safe road transport and traffic system.
BRTA Office Address Tel / Email
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Phone: +88-02-55040711 Fax: +88-02-55040712 Head Office: “BRTA Bhaban” Email: [email protected] Chairmanbari, New Airport Road Banani, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC)
The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is the state-owned transport corporation of Bangladesh. It was established under the Government Ordinance No.7 of 1961 dated 4 February 1961. Following the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, it assumed its current name. BRTC is a semi- autonomous corporation under the Ministry of Roads and Bridges. BRTC provides both passenger and cargo transport services.
BRTC operates 3 international bus services (Dhaka to Kolkata, Agartala, and Siliguri in India). Inside Bangladesh, it operates inter-district bus services through its bus depots in Chattogram, Bogura, Cumilla, Pabna, Rangpur, Barisal and Sylhet. It also operates intra-city bus services in many major cities of the country. For transportation of cargo, BRTC operates a fleet of 170 trucks. About twenty percent of the government food transport uses BRTC's trucks. The two main truck depots are located at Dhaka and Chattogram.
BRTC's main driver training institute is located in Joydevpur, Gazipur District, about forty kilometres north of Dhaka. It also has several other training institutes located in Chattogram, Bogura, Khulna, and Jhenaidah. For more details please see: http://www.brtc.gov.bd/
Activities of BRTC
To operate road transport services for both passengers and cargo. To provide safe, reliable and efficient transport service at an affordable fare. To facilitate private sector in transport service and introduction of new routes. To play strategic interventional role at the time of emergency. To provide training facilities for Drivers, Mechanics and in transport management in order to develop skilled manpower in the road transport sector for both home and abroad. To utilize BRTC's land and properties for additional revenue earnings for subsidizing the unprofitable bus routes and services for disabled, women's, students, government employees, poor and destitute etc. To contracting out and sub-contracting the buses to the able private owners so as to promote competition for quality services and co-existence of the public-private relationship in the road transport sector for greater private sector participation in the operation of BRTC buses.
To research vehicle and engine types and safety considerations for bringing harmony in operation of the bus and truck services and to combat the air pollution's factor for better environment.
List of BRTC Officials are as follows:
Name Designation Phone (Office) Email
Mr. Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan (Additional Secretary) Chairman 02-9554350 [email protected]
Cell: 01817-092917
Md. Hamidur Rahman Director (Admin) 02-9551944 [email protected]
Cell: 01712690335
Dr. Nasim Ahmed (Joint Secretary) Director (Finance) 02-9585909 [email protected]
Cell: 01740-452324
Colonel Md. Mahbubur Rahman Director (Technical) 02-9557952 [email protected]
Cell: 01743094449
Md. Kamrul Islam General Manager (Admin & Personal) 02-9555807
Cell: 01700565856
Md. Amjad Hossain General Manager (Accounts) 02-9551985 [email protected]
Cell: 01711038883
Major Alimur Rahman General Manager (Technical) 02—9565774 [email protected]
Cell:01914495939
Page 12 Nur-E-Alom Secretary, BRTC 02-9587355 [email protected]
Cell: 01711-435213
BRTC Bus Depots
Sl Name of Depot Office Mobile
1 Motijheel Bus Depot 9333803 01714-293920
2 Joarshara Bus Depot 58951778 01711-302124
3 Kallyanpur Bus Depot 9002531 01818-485388
4 Double Decker Bus Depot 9002395 01711-391514
5 Mohammadpur Bus Depot - 01734-053991
6 Gabtoli (Utholi) Bus Depot - 01711-578744
7 Gazipur Bus Depot 9261443 01711-435213
8 Narayangonj Bus Depot 7646915 01712-187790
9 Norsingdi Bus Depot - 01716-473972
10 Cumilla Bus Depot 081-61988 01716-684144
11 Sonapur Bus Depot - 01758-880011
12 Chattogram Bus Depot 031-683423 01919-465266
13 Sylhet Bus Depot - 01717-763820
14 Bogura Bus Depot 051-66145 01718-700478
15 Pabna Bus Depot 0731-64768 01711-302124
16 Rangpur Bus Depot 0521-64110 01817-782866
17 Khulna Bus Depot 041-786143 01714-240653
18 Barisal Bus Depot 0431-63793 01717-438644
19 Dinajpur Bus Depot - 01712-382144
BRTC Truck Depot
1 Dhaka Truck Depot 02-9112103 01716-039588
2 Chattogram Truck Depot 031-684058 -
Dhaka Transport Co-ordination Authority (DTCA)
Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority was established on 02 September 2012 to prepare strategic Transport Plan and provide regular supervision and co-ordination for all possible planning for transportation infrastructure development works within Dhaka city and adjacent districts. DTCA jurisdiction covers 7400 Sq km that includes districts of Dhaka, Narayangonj, Munshigonj, Mankgonj, Gazipur and Narsingdi district including Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, Gazipur City Corporation and Narayanganj City Corporation. BTCA is responsible to provide a planned modernized transportation system for greater Dhaka area and Ensure safe, reliable, faster and affordable Public Transport by introducing integrated transport planning.
Objectives and Functions of DTCA
To ensure interagency cooperation and coordination in transportation sector To ensure an integrated and planned transportation system formulation To introduce and expand Mass Rapid Transit system To improve traffic management To improve public transport level of service To develop and construct mass transit system as part of an integrated public transport network Design, planning and construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system Review and modification of the Government approved Strategic Transport Plan (STP) and to provide advice and guidance for other agencies Traffic impact assessment of government or private owned high rise building and any housing project and issue permit for traffic circulation plan Plan, coordinate and approve recommended transport projects of other agencies Route and network planning to develop an efficient public transport network Manage central fare collection and establish and manage clearing house
Road Security
Page 13 Vehicles without fitness, unskilled drivers, violation of traffic rules, absence of proper road marks and poor maintenance condition of roads, etc. have contributed to an alarming number of road accidents. Road accidents have become a daily and deadly phenomenon in Bangladesh that has one of the worst crash rates in the world, at more than 60 per 10,000 registered motor vehicles. The official death toll for road traffic accidents is about 4,000 a year. Road safety activists blame shoddy roads, poorly maintained vehicles and reckless drivers for such fatal accidents causing thousands of deaths every year. Research studies show multifaceted causes of road accidents ranging from population explosion, unplanned urbanisation, and tremendous growth of motorised as well as non-motorised vehicles. Improper traffic management is also termed a major cause of road accidents. According to the Bangladesh Jatrikalyaan Samiti's database, 7,397 people were killed in 4,979 road accidents with 16,193 casualties only in 2017. Government intervention to this effect has stopped race of accidents but more pragmatic measures are urgently required.
Road Safety measures taken by the Government
A road redesign project is being implemented through identifying the accident black spots on the national highways. The intensity of road accidents has been reduced due to proper maintenance of road and straightening of road alignment. The ‘Improvement of Black Spots in National Highways’ for the treatment of 121 black spots at an estimated cost of BDT.168.05 crore has been completed during FY2016-17. On the other hand, a vast program for safety on road through overload control by means of installing weighbridge at each important traffic origination point, signing and signaling of roads is under implementation for a long time. In addition, a feasibility report was submitted by the Accident Research Institute (ARI) on accident-prone spots that were identified by the Highway Police to reduce the accidents to a minimum level. The approval process of the project ‘Establishment of necessary sign and road marking on National and Regional Highways and development of dangerous risky corridor in the identified risky areas’ is in progress in order to set up sign and marking at 128 new spots.
At present, a study project to design properly of at 752 intersection points at a cost of BDT.3.24 crore. An investment project will be taken up for the development of intersection points according to the project design.
Bridges of Bangladesh
All the bridges & tunnels having length of 1500 m or over are looked after by the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA). BBA is an autonomous organization under the Bridges Division with a total manpower 211 staff. the Bridges Division under the Ministry of Road Transport & Bridges was established in March 2008, and has played an important role in the transport sector of the country. As per the Rules of Business, implementation & maintenance of bridges, toll road, flyover, expressway, causeway, ring road etc. have come under the purview of this Division. Head office of BBA is at “Setu Bhaban”, New Airport Road, Banani, Dhaka.
Contact list of important officers of BBA are:
Name Designation Phone (Office) Mobile Email
Khandker Anwarul Islam Executive Director +880255040333 01755589048 [email protected]
Md. Rezaul Haider Director (Administration) +880255040310 01700716307 [email protected]
Dr. Md.Golam Faruque Director (Planning & Development) +880255040312 01715126819 [email protected]
Quazi Muhammad Ferdous Director (Tech) +880255040313 01715102074 [email protected]
MD. Rupam Anwar Additional Director (Planning & Development) +880255040340 01700716310 [email protected]
Mahmood Ibne Kasem PS to Executive Director +880255040320 01700716311 [email protected]
Major Bridges in Bangladesh
In recent years, the construction of a number of bridges such as the Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge, Meghna Bridge, Meghna-Gumti Bridge, Bangladesh- China Friendship Bridge, Shambhuganj Bridge and Mahananda Bridge as been completed. It has established a strategic link between the East and the West of Bangladesh has integrated the country, is generating multifaceted benefits to the people and promoting inter-regional trade. Apart from quick movement of goods and passenger traffic, it is facilitating transmission of electricity and natural gas and has integrated the telecommunication links.
Major Bridges of Bangladesh are:
Name of Bridges Name of Roads Length (M)
Jamuna Bridge (Under Jamuna Bridge Authority) Dhaka – Bogura 4800
Lalon shah (Paksey) Bridge Ishwardi - Kustia Road 1786
Meghna - Gumti (Daud Kandi) Bridge Dhaka - Chattogram 1408
Khan Jahan Ali (Rupsa) Bridge Khulna-Mongla/Bagerhat/Gopalgonj 1360
Bangladesh UK Friendship (Bhairab) Bridge Dhaka – Sylhet 1194
2nd Buriganga Bridge Dhaka-Gopalgonj 1016
Meghna Bridge Dhaka - Chattogram 930
Gabkhan Bridge Barisal - Patuakhali 918
Hajrath Shah Amanath Bridge Chattogram - Cox's Bazar 914
Page 14 Ist Bangladesh China Friendship (Postagola) Bridge Dhaka-Gopalgonj 848
Kaliganga Bridge Dhaka – Aricha 647
Gorai Bridge Faridpur – Jashore 630
Karotoa Bridge Boda – Debigonj 572
Bagabari Bridge Pabna – Sirajgong 570
Dhaleswari Bridge Dhaka – Mawa 492
Shambugonj Bridge Mymensing - Haluaghat 464
Mohananda Bridge Rajshahi - Nawabgonj 448
Brahmaputra Bridge Dhaka – Sylhet 443
Bridges under Construction by RHD
Padma Multipurpose Bridge Dapdapia Bridge
2nd Sitalakhya Bridge 3rd Karnafuly Bridge
3rd Buriganga Bridge Tista Bridge
Other Ongoing Projects
Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project Support to Dhaka Elevated Expressway project Dhaka Elevated Expressway project Construction of multi-line tunnels under Karnaphuli river Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project (BRT, Gazipur-Airport) Dhaka-Ashulaisu Elevated Expressway Project Feasibility study project for subway construction in Dhaka city Bridge construction project on Paira River on Kachua-Betagi Road
Feasibility study project for 4 bridge project
Patuakhali-Amtali-Barguna-Kakichira road (R-880) Bridge construction on pigeon river Construction of bridge on Bakerganj-Baupal Upazila Road (Z8806 & 8044) Factory River Wrinkle - Two and a half thousand - Bachcharanpur road (R-203) Bridge construction on the Meghna river Construction of bridge over Tetulia and Kalbadar river on Barisal-Bhola road Patuakhali-Amtali-Barguna-Kakichira road (R-880) Bridge on the Bishkhali river Sasek Road Link Project- II (upgradation of Alenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway to four lanes) (bridge authority part -34 kilometers)
International Corridors Leading to Bangladesh
Bangladesh has the potential to become a transport and transshipment center for the sub-region. It borders India and Myanmar and is geographically close to Bhutan, Nepal, and Kunming—the key transportation hub in southwest People’s Republic of China (PRC). With the opening of the Bhangabandhu Bridge over the Jamuna River and the ongoing Padma multipurpose Bridge, the Dhaka–Chattogram transport corridor and other strategic transport corridors can facilitate trade between Bangladesh and the North-Eastern states of India, the Indian state of West Bengal, Bhutan, and Nepal, thereby attracting more foreign and domestic traffic to the country.
South Asia is the least integrated region and the cost of trading across borders is one of the highest in the world. Co-operation with its neighboring countries offers benefits to Bangladeshi owned road, rail and water transport services and port services. Integrating the transport network of South Asia is important to Nepal, Bhutan, and regions such as northeast India as it will end their landlocked or semi-isolated status. Within such a framework, Nepal, Bhutan, and the northeastern region of India would have the benefit of improved access to the ports and important economic centers of the region, and a choice of routes and modes.
Given the large potential for reduction in transportation costs, allowing the landlocked region of North-Eastern India, Bhutan, and Nepal access to Chattogram port through Bangladesh’s eastern border or to Mongla port through its northwestern border has been a key issue among concerned authorities. Defining the corridors, strengthening the systems and facilities at the borders, upgrading the roads / bridges, and bilateral negotiations for agreements will definitely improve the conditions for trucks or containers to exchange cross-border freight wagons.
Road transport has been playing a dominant role carrying bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India. Nearly 70-80% of all overland trade between Bangladesh and India passes through Benapole/Petropole border point. However, the only road connecting Benapole/Petrapole with the Kolkata is still 5.5 meter wide, and highly congested.
In the context of Nepal-Bangladesh, although India has allowed a route (by road) between these two countries across the “Chicken Neck” for bilateral trade, yet goods are required to be transshipped at Banglabandh border point. This route is more than 1300 km long, as such not very cost-effective, consequently very little used. Since this route cannot be used for third country trade, Nepal's export and import traffic uses Kolkata port, which is often congested compared to Bangladesh seaport of Mongla, which has spare capacity and a direct broad-gauge link with Birgunj (Nepal) through Rauxal Indian border point. But for this route and Mongla port to be used for third country trade of Nepal, India has to agree to such transit arrangement.
Page 15 Asian Highway
The Asian Highway (AH) projects of UN-ESCAP have already identified the major road links among the countries of South Asia. Subsequently, the SAARC Regional Multimodal Study (SRMTS) completed in 2006, also identified a number of routes which could provide efficient regional connectivity. The connectivity to all the 3-hinterland countries/territories should be conceived within the framework of regional economic integration, where all natural and environmental resources, facilities and opportunities should be exploited for the benefit of all countries in the sub-region.
Bangladeshi national highways are all 2-lanes only, but extensively used. These highways were built based on an axle-load limit of 8.2 tons compared to 10.2 tons axle load limit in India, Nepal and Bhutan. India has now adopted 12-ton axle load limits. Most of the trucks used in neighboring countries are usually over-loaded. As such it would not be desirable to allow these overloaded vehicles to move along Bangladeshi road network. Major road networks of Bangladesh, however, needs to be upgraded to expressway standards with higher axle-load limits.
The SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study (SRMTS) recommended a number of routes to strengthen connectivity among the countries and territories of North-Eastern sub-region of South Asia. Out of these, the following routes could be opened immediately to facilitate movement of goods and passengers.
Road Route-1: Petrapole Jashore-Dhaka (via ferry) - Sylhet- Tamabil (Indian border) with a link to Agartala.
Road route 2: Kathmandu – Kaharvitta – Phulbari – Banglabandha – Mongla/Chattogram
Page 16 Road route-3: Thimphu – Phuentsholing – Jaigon – Chengrabandha – Burimari – (i) Chattogram (966 km), and/or (ii) Mongla (880 km)
For additional information, please see the following documents:
Bangladesh road network map Bangladesh Road Network Additional Information Bangladesh transport corridors Bangladesh Road Assessment Additional Information
Note: The information provided in the attached documents, which has been taken from the old DLCA, does not match the structure of the new LCA and is therefore provided separately.
For contact details, please see the following link:
4.1 Bangladesh Government Contact List
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