Govt proposes Tk60,730cr for transport infrastructure in FY27

The government has proposed allocating Tk60,730 crore to the transport and communication infrastructure sector in the national budget for fiscal year 2026-27, up from Tk48,292 crore in the revised budget for FY26.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, while presenting the budget in parliament yesterday, said the government is pursuing integrated infrastructure development to accelerate economic growth, improve connectivity and enhance urban transport services.

The government plans to modernise the road network by upgrading key economic corridors to four-lane highways, developing multimodal transport hubs and building an expressway network of around 3,000 kilometres, he said. 

To ease congestion in Dhaka, initiatives are underway to construct ring and radial roads and develop a mass transit system centred on six metro rail lines, Khosru said. 

A monorail-based feeder network connected to the metro system is also planned. Besides, the government intends to gradually replace aging buses with electric vehicles, he said. 

Road safety remains a priority, with 94 development projects set for implementation. The government will also relaunch the Bangladesh Road Safety Project under the "Safe System Approach" and strengthen automated vehicle fitness certification and driver training programmes, the minister said. 

Major road projects outlined in the budget include a second Jamuna Bridge, a third Meghna Bridge and the Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway. Electronic toll collection and smart traffic management systems are also planned.

In the railway sector, the government aims to expand rail connectivity to all districts, improve links with ports and procure modern locomotives and wagons. A chord line on the Dhaka-Chattogram route is expected to shorten the rail distance by about 80 kilometres, he said. 

Plans are also in place to introduce high-speed rail and electric traction systems, establish the Dhaka-Chattogram railway corridor and develop Chattogram as a logistics hub.

For the shipping sector, the government will focus on inland waterway development, expanded dredging and enhanced port capacity. Key projects include the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Bay Terminal, Patenga Container Terminal and Laldia Container Terminal. Modernisation efforts at Mongla Port will also continue.

The budget also highlights plans to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub. Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet airports will be developed as international logistics hubs, while Cox's Bazar, Jashore, Rajshahi and Saidpur airports will serve as gateway airports.

Preparations are underway to launch the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, while the national carrier plans to add 14 aircraft to its fleet.

The finance minister said the investment in transport infrastructure would support economic growth, trade expansion and job creation.