Cost Reduced for Sylhet–Charkhai–Sheola Land Port Highway Expansion Project

The planned four-lane expansion of the Sylhet–Charkhai–Sheola Land Port Highway is set to move forward with a significantly lower construction cost than originally estimated. Despite delays that may require an extension of the project timeline, authorities have approved a revised budget that is nearly Tk 600 crore lower than the initial estimate.

The government recently approved construction expenditures of approximately Tk 2,506 crore for the project. Earlier estimates had placed the infrastructure development cost at around Tk 3,100 crore. Following the tender evaluation process, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved contracts at prices substantially below the original estimate, resulting in major savings.

The project involves upgrading a 42.985-kilometer highway connecting Sylhet, Charkhai, and the Sheola Land Port into a four-lane roadway. It was originally approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in April 2023, with implementation scheduled from January 2023 through December 2027. However, due to delays in starting the work, project officials are considering extending the completion deadline by two years.

Construction will be carried out in three separate sections by the Roads and Highways Department. International competitive tenders attracted 47 bids, of which 39 were deemed technically acceptable. After evaluation, contracts were awarded to the lowest qualified bidders.

The first section was awarded to a joint venture between Monico Limited of Bangladesh and China Railway No. 4 Engineering Group Co. Ltd. for approximately Tk 1,099.5 crore. The second section was awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation for about Tk 816.6 crore. The third section will be implemented by a joint venture between NDE Bangladesh and a Chinese partner for nearly Tk 590 crore.

Project works include the acquisition of more than 247 acres of land, large-scale earthworks, pavement construction along the entire route, consultant services, 31 culverts, three bridges, multiple flyovers, overpasses, underpasses, pedestrian crossings, a toll plaza, and service lanes along much of the highway.

Several flyovers are also planned, including a 600-meter flyover in Golapganj municipality and additional flyovers in Charkhai, Hetimganj, Ranaping, and Ramdha. A new four-lane bridge will also be constructed near the existing Sheola Bridge over the Kushiyara River.

Project officials stated that while the overall design remains largely unchanged, service lanes beyond the Golapganj area have been removed from the revised plan. They also emphasized that progress largely depends on completing land acquisition procedures.

According to local administration officials, land acquisition activities have progressed more slowly than expected because government teams have been occupied with other major highway projects. Authorities hope to complete the required land acquisition by August.

Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to improve transportation, trade, and regional connectivity for residents of Bianibazar, South Surma, Golapganj, Kanaighat, Zakiganj, and several upazilas in neighboring Moulvibazar district, including Barlekha, Juri, and Kulaura.