The government is set to complete the country’s first-ever integrated national transport master plan and final map by December, aiming to unify all modes of transport under a single coordinated framework, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Road Transport, Bridges and Railways.
The master plan will provide a multi-modal strategy for developing Bangladesh’s road, railway, water and aviation networks, with a focus on economic growth, efficiency, and safety.
Key initiatives include expanding railways, modernising ports and waterways, improving road infrastructure and implementing better traffic management systems.
Sustainability will also be a priority, with efforts to promote public transport and green vehicles.
“The national map is already in preparation. InshaAllah, by December we will complete both the map and the master plan, leaving a framework that future governments can continue,” Moinuddin said in an interview with UNB.
He emphasized that the plan will provide a consistent blueprint for long-term transport and infrastructure development.
The integrated plan will also simplify logistics and supply chains, addressing bottlenecks such as the waste of agricultural products in northern districts due to poor transport connections.
“Improved connectivity will drive economic growth across regions and reduce the Dhaka-centric nature of development,” he added.
Bangladesh is working with World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) for technical support and international expertise, while domestic experts are contributing knowledge of local conditions.
The project aligns with other major initiatives like the Revised Strategic Transport Plan for Dhaka and the 30-year Railway Master Plan and is expected to ensure balanced regional development, efficient transportation and long-term sustainability.
Officials noted that previous transport projects lacked an integrated framework, leading to fragmented planning and poor inter-agency coordination, particularly around Dhaka.
Courtesy: Daily Observer Online
