Work on Dhaka–Sylhet Highway Expansion Expected to Fully Resume Within Months: DC Sarwar

The long-stalled development of the Dhaka–Sylhet highway is expected to gain full momentum within the next five to six months, according to Sylhet Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (September 16) after inspecting the Kadamtali Central Bus Terminal in Sylhet, the DC expressed optimism about the long-delayed project.

He explained that since the highway expansion is already underway, there has been no separate allocation for routine maintenance. As a result, damaged sections could not be repaired. “We have requested additional funds for temporary repairs. The long-awaited upgrade of the road to six lanes has caused severe suffering for travelers. At times, the journey from Sylhet to Dhaka takes as long as 14 to 15 hours,” he said.

The DC added that complications over land acquisition have slowed progress. However, senior officials recently visited Sylhet and held meetings on the matter, raising hopes that land acquisition for the Sylhet portion will be completed within the next two to three months. Meanwhile, utilities such as power and gas lines have already been relocated.

Project officials noted that in the past four years, less than 10 percent of work has been completed due to land acquisition hurdles. When the “SASEC Dhaka–Sylhet Corridor Six-Lane Project” began in 2021, the target was to finish by 2026. The project, costing nearly Tk 17,000 crore, requires 829.83 acres of land across seven districts, but about 85 percent is still pending acquisition.

The 29-kilometer highway is considered vital for linking the country’s northeast with the capital. Delays in implementation have left passengers and transport operators facing prolonged hardship.