Government takes major step to develop transport sector
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The government is placing special emphasis on the transport and communications sector. As part of this effort, the government has set a target of investing Tk 182,404 crore in the sector over the next three fiscal years. The allocation has been projected for various development projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
At the same time, 11 strategic development targets have been set. Implementation of nine types of activities has already begun from the current fiscal year. These initiatives have been taken by the Planning Division.
Planning Secretary S.M. Shakil Akhtar said the plan for the fiscal year has been formulated by giving serious consideration to the current global economic instability, high inflation and existing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He said priority has been given to increasing returns on investment, creating new employment opportunities, developing human resources and achieving poverty reduction targets to maintain macroeconomic stability amid the adverse situation.
He said the highest allocation has been made to the transport and communications sector in the ADP for fiscal year 2026 to 27. The allocation amounts to Tk 50,092 crore and 53 lakh, which is 16.70 percent of the total ADP.
The Planning Division said the transport and communications sector is one of the key drivers of the country’s economic growth, trade expansion, increased investment, employment generation and stronger regional connectivity. An efficient, safe, affordable and integrated communications system plays an important role in increasing productivity and ensuring sustainable socioeconomic development.
Projected allocations for the next three fiscal years
The allocations projected by the Planning Division for the next three fiscal years are Tk 55,107 crore for fiscal year 2027 to 28, Tk 60,618 crore for fiscal year 2028 to 29, and Tk 66,679 crore for fiscal year 2029 to 30.
11 strategic development targets
The government’s strategic objectives for the transport and communications sector include developing an integrated and sustainable road communications network and expanding connectivity at the national, regional and rural levels. The government also aims to establish a safe, affordable and efficient public transportation system, modernize urban transportation systems, introduce smart traffic management, improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and ensure an orderly public transportation system.
The government also aims to expand rail based transportation, construct double tracks, modernize signaling systems, increase passenger and freight transportation capacity, maintain navigability of inland waterways, develop river ports and expand coastal and regional waterways connectivity.
Meanwhile, the government has set targets to increase the infrastructure and operational capacity of ports, improve the efficiency of import and export activities, and improve passenger services, security systems and cargo transportation facilities at airports.
Other targets include modernizing postal and telecommunications infrastructure, expanding high speed internet and strengthening digital connectivity, expanding information technology based smart services and management systems in the transport and communications sector, encouraging private investment through public private partnerships and increasing participation in development activities, as well as prioritizing the development of environmentally friendly, climate resilient and sustainable communications infrastructure.
Notable activities in the current fiscal year
Among the notable activities in the transport and communications sector under the ADP for the current fiscal year 2026 to 27 are the construction, reconstruction and widening of highways and bridges to expand national and regional connectivity, as well as the development of expressways, flyovers, underpasses and public transportation infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban transportation systems.
In addition, construction of metro rail on various routes under Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited is being expedited, along with the expansion and modernization of the urban public transportation system. Other activities include construction of new railway lines, installation of double tracks, renovation of existing railway lines, modernization of signaling systems, and procurement of new coaches and engines.
The activities also include strengthening dredging operations to improve navigability for water transportation, developing river ports, increasing passenger and freight transportation capacity on domestic and international routes, improving infrastructure and operational capacity, strengthening regional trade connectivity, improving passenger services, security systems and cargo transportation facilities at airports, and expanding airport infrastructure.
