According to a government decision on August 22, the proposed Rahmatpur corridor would connect Bhola with the national highway network through Rahmatpur, Hizla and Mehendiganj. The project would involve upgrading and widening existing roads, constructing new road sections and building three bridges.
Authorities should urgently conduct an integrated feasibility and engineering study to finalise the route, bridge locations, land requirements, estimated costs and construction priorities. Sections that require little or no land acquisition could potentially be upgraded first to ensure visible progress.
Meanwhile, the direct Bhola-Barishal bridge should also move forward. Its feasibility study has reportedly been completed, and the project has been considered under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, with an estimated cost of around Tk 17,466 crore. Financing, approvals, investment arrangements and a construction schedule should now be expedited.
The two projects would serve different purposes. The Rahmatpur corridor could provide Bhola with a faster connection to the national highway network, while the direct bridge would establish a permanent road link between Bhola and Barishal and strengthen regional economic connectivity.
Residents therefore expect both projects to receive clear timelines, designated responsible agencies and regular progress updates. For Bhola, the priority now is not another announcement, but visible movement from planning to implementation.
FP/A
