450 km roads upgraded to 4-lane in 12 years: Quader

Dhaka (Oct 29, 2020): Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that around 450 kilometres of highway at different parts in the country were upgraded to four-lane during the last 12 years.

“Around 450 km of highway were upgraded to four-lane in the last 12 years and work to upgrade more 450 km to four-lane is going on,” Quader also general secretary of the ruling Awami League said today.

He was speaking at a discussion on the 8th Five-Year Plan through videoconferencing from his official residence in the Parliament Complex premises in Dhaka this noon.

The government is working to build six routes for metro-rails by 2030, Quader said adding that the construction work of one of the six routes is going on in a full swing while the work of another two routes will begin soon.

Stressing the need for coordination in the efficient transport system, the Awami League leader said his government has taken initiatives of setting up bus and rail stations in the capital to restore discipline in the transport sector.

Highlighting his government’s success, he said a total of 34 spans of Padma Bridge have already been installed, bringing a total of 5.1km of the structure into view.

Besides, the evacuation work of one tube of the Karnaphuli tunnel and around 56 percent construction work of the elevated express way have already been completed, Quader revealed the progress.

About the discipline on the roads, he said his ministry is not sole responsible, rather different ministries and government agencies are also related with the entire process.

“Road accident is the biggest concern and the biggest challenge for us,” the Awami League leader mentioned.

Since its inception, Awami League has been working for the development of the country and its people and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government is heading forward by earning people’s trust.