Bangladesh is on the rise! With the government’s investment in infrastructure and the private sector’s participation, the country is undergoing a major transformation. From elevated expressways to metro rails, the future of Bangladesh is looking bright. In this blog post, we will be taking a look at 9 of the most exciting upcoming mega projects that are in the works and set to change the face of the country. Get ready to be inspired as we dive into these projects that are poised to bring Bangladesh to new heights!
Also read – Top 10 On Going Mega Projects In World
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant
Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is Bangladesh’s biggest and most expensive project, with the largest budget allocation. Once completed, Bangladesh will become one of only 33 countries in the world that generates nuclear power. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is managing the project with assistance from the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation, Rosatom.
This initiative to build a nuclear power plant started back in 1961, but it wasn’t until 2009 that work on the project resumed. In 2011, Bangladesh signed a deal with Russia to build a two-unit nuclear power plant. The two units, each with a capacity of 1200 MW, are expected to be completed by 2024 and 2025, but there’s a chance the first unit could be finished as early as 2024. Russia is financing 80% of the project, which is estimated to cost BDT 1.13 lakh crore, while the Bangladesh government is funding the remaining BDT 22,052 crore.
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Chittagong Cox’s Bazar Rail Link
The Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Rail Link is one of Bangladesh’s fast-track projects that’s currently underway. The project will connect Cox’s Bazar, a popular tourist city, by rail, in addition to road and air. This will boost the city’s tourism industry, as well as trade and communication. The 126 km single line dual gauge track will run from Dohazari in Chittagong, passing through several Upazilas, including Chandnaish, Satkania, Lohagarh, Chakaria, Ramu, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ukhia, and Gundun, before reaching the Bandarban district.
The first phase of the project, which involves building a 100 km railway track, is well underway, with over 50% of the work already completed. Although the initial target for completion was December 2022, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other associated project works, the new completion date is now set for 2024. The project, which is estimated to cost more than BDT 18,034 crore, is being funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Bangladesh government.
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The Matarbari Thermal Power Plant is one of Bangladesh’s upcomnig mega projects and is located in Maheshkhali Upazila of Chittagong. It will be a game-changer for the region, providing much-needed power to Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. With a combined generation capacity of 1200 MW from its two units, it will help meet the energy demands of the Economic Zones and E.P.Zs supported by the government.
The project is being led by the Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL) and is worth an impressive BDT 51,855 crore. Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) is investing a significant portion (BDT 43,921 crore) in financing the project, with the rest of the funds coming from the government. The construction of the plant is set to begin in 2020 and is expected to be complete in early 2024, with the first unit producing power by January of that year and the second unit coming online in July. Get ready for a brighter future, powered by Matarbari!
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The Matarbari Deep Sea Port is making waves as one of Bangladesh’s ongoing mega projects. Originally intended to import coal for the Matarbari Power Station, it’s now being transformed into a thriving commercial port. With its 18-meter depth, this port will greatly reduce the cost of importing and exporting goods, making trade a smoother and more affordable process.
Construction on this project began in 2020 and is estimated to cost about Tk 18,000 crore. Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) is investing a substantial portion (BDT 12,899.76 crore), with contributions also coming from the Port Authorities (BDT 2,213.25 crore) and the Bangladesh government (BDT 2,671.15 crore). The project is expected to be completed by December 2026, but the Chittagong Port Authority has set its sights even higher, aiming to finish it by 2025. Get ready to dive into a new era of seamless trade with the Matarbari Deep Sea Port!
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Dhaka Airport Third Terminal
Get ready for a revolution in travel experience! A brand new, state-of-the-art terminal is being built at the Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, and it’s going to change the game for the airport. With a capacity to host 37 aircraft, this new terminal is the perfect solution for a seamless and convenient travel experience.
Not only will it have a massive 230,000 square meter building to accommodate up to 12 million passengers, but it will also be directly connected to the metro rail via a dedicated station. This means that passengers can travel to their destination without ever leaving the airport.
Japanese manufacturer Shimiju and Korean company Samsung are jointly developing the project, with support from JICA who is investing a whopping BDT 16,141 crore. The Bangladesh government is also lending a helping hand by financing the remaining BDT 5,258 crore.
Mark your calendars, because the authorities plan to open the doors to the public in 2024! Get ready for a hassle-free and comfortable travel experience like never before!
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Bangabandhu Railway Bridge Project
Hold on to your seats, rail travelers! A revolutionary change is coming your way with the completion of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge set for 2024.
Say goodbye to the painfully slow 30-minute journey across the Jamuna River, as the new bridge will allow trains to zoom across the river at over 100 kmph, reducing the journey time to just 5 minutes!
Not only will the journey be faster, but the bridge will also be able to accommodate broad-gauge trains, making it a safer and more convenient option for all. And get this, the rail line across the bridge will be the first in the country to run on steel girders, making it a state-of-the-art marvel.
The Bangladesh Railway is behind this ambitious project, which has seen its fair share of twists and turns with the original cost increasing from BDT 9,734.07 crore to BDT 16,780.96 crore after revisions. But no worries, JICA is providing a loan of BDT 12,149.2 crore to bring this dream to life.
Construction of the bridge began in August 2020, with a target completion date of December 2025 and a defect liability period of 12 months following completion. Get ready for a faster and more efficient rail journey across the Jamuna River!
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Dhaka Metro Rail
Get ready for a smoother and faster commute in Dhaka! The Dhaka Metro Rail, nicknamed the Dhaka Metro, is set to revolutionize transportation in the capital city of Bangladesh. Part of the 20-year Strategic Transport Plan, the Dhaka Metro is expected to reduce congestion and improve mobility for citizens.
The first phase of Line 6 has already commenced operations, with the second phase scheduled for completion in 2024and the third phase, including an extension at Kamalapur railway station, set to be finished by 2025. The network is planned to have a total of six lines, with two under construction and the rest in the planning stages.
The project has had some changes along the way, with the initial cost increasing from Tk 21,985 crore to Tk 33,472 crore and the route being extended to the north and truncated to the south. The original plan for 16 stations has also increased to 17.
Get ready to hop on the Dhaka Metro and experience a faster, more efficient way to travel in the city!
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Expansion Work of Dhaka-Sylhet highway
Say goodbye to traffic jams and hello to a relaxed commute! The Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department has just taken a big step towards making your travels easier and safer. On 10 October 2022, the department signed the contract for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development Project. This project will transform the current two-lane national highway into a magnificent six-lane road, including dedicated lanes for vehicles that move at a slower pace.
Traffic congestion and accidents will be a thing of the past once the project is completed in December 2026. The project will come with a price tag of BDT16,918.5881 crore (approximately $1.676 billion), and the Asian Development Bank is lending a helping hand with a loan of BDT13,244.6895 crore ($1.308 billion).
Not only will this project improve road connectivity within Bangladesh, but it will also enhance connections between Bangladesh and its neighboring countries. The SASEC corridor project is part of the larger Asian Highway, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation corridor, and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation corridors. Get ready for a more connected Bangladesh!
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Dhaka Elevated Expressway
Dhaka is set to get a brand new expressway to ease traffic congestion and make travel faster and safer! The Dhaka Elevated Expressway is a 19.63-kilometer four-lane road from Kutubkhali on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway to the airport area of Dhaka. This elevated expressway will go through Kuril, Banani, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Magbazar, Kamalapur and Sayedabad before reaching its destination at Kutubkhali and connecting to the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway.
With 31 ramps and a total length of 27 km, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority under the Ministry of Roads and Transport will be responsible for the project. The estimated cost of this elevated expressway is BDT 8,940 crore, with the government investing BDT 2413 crore and the rest coming from the manufacturer. The project started in 2020, and the hopeful completion date is 2024. Get ready for a faster and smoother ride in Dhaka!
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Conclusion
It’s an exciting time to be in Bangladesh! These 9 upcoming mega projects in Bangladesh are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the massive transformation happening in the country. From the elevated expressway to the metro rail, the country is undergoing a major overhaul, and the results are already starting to show. These projects are not just infrastructure upgrades, but they are also opportunities for the country to grow and prosper. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Bangladesh and how these projects will impact the country and its people. Keep your eyes peeled, as the future of Bangladesh is looking brighter by the day!
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