As Bangladesh emerges as an economic powerhouse, it will have to double down on its infrastructural development in order to keep up the momentum.
As such, after the completion of the Padma Bridge recently, it is good news that the long-awaited Purbachal expressway is nearing completion, with 85% of its construction completed, and is expected to be open to the public this December.
Infrastructure focusing on connectivity such as bridges and expressways are necessary not only for cutting down our traffic level, but also for better connectivity between the different parts of the country. When it comes to the Purbachal expressway, it will not have any stopover points, traffic signals, or any other obstacles, so vehicles can run its entire length in as little as six or seven minutes. Such an ease of travel will no doubt lead to a better connectivity between Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet.
Given the fact a similar feat has been achieved through the construction of the Padma Bridge in better connecting the south and the southwest and we are already seeing the benefits of such a connection in the guise of economic zones and other business ventures, the economic promise of the Purbachal expressway is great indeed.
This becomes especially true when one considers the fact that Chittagong is a huge financial hub, and better connection between the port city and the capital will heavily increase the volume of trade that comes through the port city. Sylhet -- due to its natural beauty -- can also be built up as a tourist destination. Better connectivity between such a hotspot and the capital can definitely help with such prospects.
Ultimately, this is a trajectory that we have to continue on. For a holistic improvement of the country, we need infrastructural projects, constructed efficiently. Given the current economic downturn, however, we have to spend smartly. Only through balance can we reach the heights of progress.