News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, April 29, 2026 (BSS) - Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today assured the Jatiya Sangsad that visible progress in the development of the Cumilla-Brahmanbaria national highway will be achieved very soon, as alleviating public sufferings remains a top priority of the government.
The Minister said this in response to a notice on matters of urgent public importance under Rule-71 brought by NCP lawmaker from Cumilla-4 constituency, Md. Abul Hasnat, in the House.
The minister said that ongoing repair and widening works on the highway would be expedited to ease long-standing sufferings of commuters in the region.
"The government is committed to ensuring that the ongoing rehabilitation and widening works are implemented quickly, so that the people of this region can experience tangible relief in the shortest possible time," he said.
Rabiul noted that although the big project to upgrade the highway into a four-lane is currently outside foreign financing arrangements, the government is actively exploring alternative funding sources.
"At the same time, damaged sections are being repaired on an urgent basis to improve the communication system without delay," he added.
The minister informed that out of the 82.68-kilometre highway, a key stretch from Brahmanbaria to Sarail, measuring around 28 kilometres, has already been brought under a four-lane development initiative.
"Separate lanes for slow-moving vehicles are also being incorporated to enhance road safety," he added.
Highlighting the most damaged segments, Rabiul said construction of 804 metres of rigid pavement is currently underway in Debidwar, Kangshanagar and Bhinglabari areas.
Besides, under a periodic maintenance programme, initiatives have been taken to widen and strengthen an additional 1,845 metres of road at several points including Moynamoti, Phulgachtala, Companyganj, Katherpul and Kutichoumuhani. "The tender evaluation process for these works is now in progress," he said.
In addition, tenders have already been invited to widen around 20 kilometres of road from Cumilla to Debidwar to 34 feet, aiming for early commencement of construction work.
The Road Transport and Bridges Minister further said that a consulting firm has been appointed for project implementation while preparation of the final design of the highway is currently underway.
"Once these initiatives are implemented, road connectivity between Chattogram and Sylhet divisions will become safer, smoother and more dynamic," he hoped.
