ICC holds roundtable on infrastructure development

Planning Minister MA Mannan on Saturday emphasised the expansion of the railways, saying that this cost-effective sector needs to be upgraded.

He said this in a Roundtable on Investment for Infrastructure Development organised by the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh at a city hotel.

He mentioned that Dhaka-Chittagong Railway is under construction for a double track, this will also be in consideration, according to a press release.

The Minister also emphasised a Circular Road surrounding Dhaka City.

However, he noted down the demand of the businesses regarding Dhaka-Chittagong elevated expressway and assured that he will try to forward this. He said that in the last 10-12 years the government has taken huge amounts of infrastructure work and obviously people are getting the result.

ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman with the opening of Padma Bridge, completion of 55 kilometres Elevated Expressway from Gazipur connecting northwestern region of the country to Chattogarm, movement of traffic is expected to increase manifold.

But according to experts, the existing 4-lane highway will not be able to facilitate smooth movement of vehicles, he added.

He mentioned that the economic importance of this route is immense; considering Chittagong Port connectivity as an access point to the international market. It is also inevitable to consider a network with Matarbari economic hub of BIG-B, BCIM and potentials of connecting BIMSTEC & SASEC through Asian Highway.

“Our international trade exceeded $100 billion and is expected to grow considering post LDC export diversification potentials. Government targeted $80 billion export by 2024.”