Photo: BSS

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - The government is working to develop a 
safe, modern, technology-driven and environmentally sustainable road network 
as the Road, Transport and Highways Division has been allocated Taka 36,918 
crore in the proposed budget for FY2026-27 ((FY27).

The proposed allocation marks a significant increase compared to the revised 
budget of Taka 25,685 crore for FY2025-26. The budget allocation is aimed at 
supporting ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and ensure a modern 
and sustainable transport system across the country.

"During the current fiscal year, activities are ongoing under 106 development 
projects to develop national and regional highways, upgrade key economic 
corridors to four lanes, enhance the efficiency of the freight transportation 
system and strengthen axle load control and road safety," Finance Minister 
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said in his budget speech.

"Activities under the Bangladesh Road Safety Project, based on the "Safe 
System Approach" to accident prevention, have been resumed. For FY2026-27 and 
the medium term, we have adopted various action plans to establish an 
integrated, modern and sustainable road and public transport system. 
Initiatives have been undertaken to enact the Metropolitan Transport 
Authority Act, introduce metro rail-based feeder services and adopt transit-
oriented development plans. In addition, initiatives have been taken to 
prepare technical manuals, promote the use of electric vehicles, introduce an 
automated fitness certification system and provide training for nearly 
5,50,000 professional drivers," he added.

Chowdhury said the roads that have long remained neglected and deteriorated 
are being brought under rapid repair and renovation programmes. 

To establish a nationwide network of nearly 3,000 kilometres of national 
expressways, identification and feasibility studies of potential corridors 
are currently underway. Moreover, initiatives have been undertaken to develop 
a multimodal transport system integrating road, rail, water and air 
transport, alongside the use of smart technologies for axle load control and 
the establishment of new control stations. 

Efforts are also ongoing to strengthen road safety, reduce traffic congestion 
in Dhaka through the construction of ring roads and radial roads, promote 
environmentally sustainable infrastructure development and expand digital 
toll collection systems. 

"In addition, initiatives have been taken to rationalise bus routes, 
introduce electric buses and develop skilled drivers, which will contribute 
to building a more modern, safe and efficient transport system," Amir Khosru 
Mahmud Chowdhury added.