Bangladesh: Hatikumrul-Bonpara-Jhenaidah Highway Improvement Project (Phase I)

DESCRIPTION

Bangladesh is a rapidly growing country with considerable cross-border connectivity potential, although its physical infrastructure deficit is a major constraint for its economic growth and development. The Hatikumrul-Bonpara-Jhenaidah Highway is a vital link in Bangladesh’s road network as it facilitates the transportation of goods and passengers from the northern and eastern parts of the country to several ports (including Benapole, the largest land port) and a vital maritime port (Mongla, the second largest port). Currently, the highway is a two-lane single carriageway, with limited capacity. The highway has been facing significant road safety and congestion issues.

The proposed investment project aims to improve the efficiency, connectivity, safety, and climate resiliency of this particular regional transport corridor. The highway will be developed into a climate resilient four-lane dual carriageway with a service lane (for use by slow moving vehicles) on each side.

The Project Preparation Special Fund (PPSF) grant will be used for assessing the project risks, updating the detailed designs, as well as preparing bid documents, and updating the environmental and social (E&S) instruments of Phase I (Jhenaidah to Bonpara section; 102 km). The overarching objective of the grant is to enhance the implementation readiness and quality of the proposed investment under Phase I of the project. Additionally, the grant funding will also be used for conducting feasibility studies and preparing the preliminary designs of Phase II of the project (Bonpara to Hatikumrul portion; 57km).

Of the total PPSF grant, roughly 93% will be implemented by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) of the Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges of Road (MoRTB) of Bangladesh. The remaining amount will be executed directly by AIIB to conduct relevant due diligence and ensure that the quality of outputs are adequate and delivered on time.