ADB helps Bangladesh to improve transport connectivity

“Bangladesh’s transport network is critical infrastructure supporting the country’s economic activities and promoting international trade,” said ADB Transport Specialist Mr. Kaoru Kasahara. “ADB’s Transport Connectivity Improvement Preparatory Facility will help meet rapidly growing transport demand by financing feasibility studies, detailed design, and other preparatory works to support the government in preparation of road and railway projects.”

Transport demand is expanding nationwide because of Bangladesh’s young and growing population and steady economic growth. Insufficient transport infrastructure results in increased costs and transport time, reduced competitiveness and efficiency of the economy, and impeded economic growth.

The government has been substantially investing in all subsectors to strengthen the country’s transport network. Improving transport connectivity at intermodal transshipment facilities is vital to achieving an optimized modal split, as targeted in the government’s Seventh Five-year Plan. The country needs to boost connectivity between different transport modes, strengthen arterial transport corridors, as well as construct bypass and connecting roads.

The PRF will support project preparation in areas including road and rail connectivity of ports, land ports, and border crossing points; road and rail connectivity of intermodal transshipment facilities, including inland container depots and inland container terminals; strengthening of corridors, including bypasses, connected roads, and alternate routes; and sector-wide improvements, including safety, traffic management, and maintenance.

The total cost of the facility is USD57.2 million, of which the government will provide USD15.2 million. The PRF is due for completion at the end of 2024./.