Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in expanding its expressway network in recent years, which has significantly enhanced transportation and trade within the country. These expressways serve as vital connections between different cities, districts, and economic zones, reducing travel time and alleviating traffic congestion. Here is an overview of Bangladesh’s existing, under-construction, and proposed expressways.
Currently, there are two existing expressways in Bangladesh:
- Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway: This 55 km long expressway connects Dhaka with Bhanga. Its primary objective is to reduce travel time and alleviate traffic congestion.
- Dhaka Elevated Expressway: Constructed in 2020, this 20 km long elevated expressway connects Dhaka city with the international airport at the northern side of the city. Its purpose is to alleviate traffic congestion within the city.
There are several expressways currently under construction:
- Chittagong Elevated Expressway: Also known as the Shah Amanat Airport Flyover Project, this 16 km long elevated expressway will connect the Shah Amanat airport with Lalkhan Bazaar, the trade and business hub of Chittagong.
- Dhaka Bypass Expressway: Designed to bypass the capital city, this 48 km long expressway will connect Joydebpur, Debgram Bhulta, and Madanpur, aiming to reduce congestion in Dhaka. The project is expected to be completed by June 2024.
- Purbachal Expressway: This 13 km long toll road will connect Gazipur and Narayanganj districts and is expected to open in December 2023.
- Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway: Stretching over 24 km, this expressway will connect Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with Abdullahpur, Ashulia, Baipayl, and the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) on the Nabinagar-Chandra highway. It is expected to be completed by 2026.
Additionally, there are expressway projects with approved plans that are waiting to start construction:
- Bhanga-Benapole Expressway: This proposed 129 km expressway will connect Bhanga in Faridpur to Benapole, passing through Nagarkanda, Muksudpur, and Lohagara. It aims to improve connectivity between these regions.
- Dhaka East West Elevated Expressway: This expressway will connect Hemayetpur, Nimtoli, Keraniganj, Ekuria, Janzira, Fatullah, Hajiganj Bandar, and Modonpur on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, enhancing east-west connectivity in Dhaka.
- Rampura-Amulia-Demra Expressway: This expressway is proposed to enhance connectivity between Dhaka and the eastern and southeastern districts of Bangladesh, including Chittagong, Narayanganj, and Sylhet.
In addition to the ongoing and approved projects, there are several proposed expressways in Bangladesh:
- Gabtoli-Nabinagar-Paturia Expressway
- Tamabil-Gundum Expressway
- Gobrakura-Payra Port Expressway
- Kotalipara-Mongla Port Expressway
- Burimari-Bhomra Expressway
- Banglabandha-Jaldhaka Expressway
- Joypurhat-Tamabil Expressway
- Sonamashjid-Brahmanbaria Expressway
- Benapole-Laksham Expressway
These proposed expressways aim to further enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and boost development in Bangladesh.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s expressway infrastructure has experienced significant expansion in recent years, connecting various regions and facilitating transportation and trade. The ongoing, approved, and proposed projects are expected to further strengthen the transportation network of the country, enhance economic growth, and provide employment opportunities for the people of Bangladesh.