Roads in 'dilapidated' state, Tk 3tn needed for repairs: road transport minister

Highways remain in poor condition despite massive past investment in infrastructure, the road transport and bridges minister says

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has highlighted the fragile condition of the country’s road infrastructure, saying that approximately Tk 3 trillion is required for necessary repairs and renovations.

The minister claimed while massive spending was "shown" in the infrastructure sector under the previous government, the actual condition of national, regional, and district highways remains precarious.

The remarks were made in parliament on Wednesday while responding to a notice of call to attention on road projects.

Responding to a supplementary question from BNP lawmaker M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, the minister admitted that the state of highways across all levels is "dilapidated".

"It is true that MPs face immense pressure for road repairs when they visit their constituencies," Rabiul said.

"The DO letters I have received in the last two months alone indicate a requirement of Tk 3 trillion for repairs. However, the ministry is likely to receive an allocation of only Tk 300 to Tk 400 billion."

Given the funding gap, he emphasised "priority-based" project selection and assured that the government would include essential projects in the upcoming budget based on feedback from all parties.