Budget Promises Infrastructure Development But Omits New Metro Rail Routes and Railway Projects

Staff Reporter

The budget speech promised a “revolution” in transport infrastructure but failed to provide clear plans on timelines, implementation, or funding.

Finance Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed told Parliament on Monday, “Our government has committed to sustainable, safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly road networks by updating the existing ‘Road Master Plan 2009.'”

For railways, he outlined ambitious plans: “Under the 30-year Railway Master Plan, initiatives include double-tracking, gauge unification, modern signaling, port-rail connectivity, advanced locomotives, and electric traction.”

While the speech used terms like “initiative,” “introduction,” and “commitment,” it lacked specifics—project timelines, allocated funds, implementing agencies, or completion dates. In short, there were announcements but no tangible action plans.

Transport planner Engineer Nasir Mahmood said, “Plans sound good, but without implementation frameworks, they remain detached from reality.”

Farzana Kabir, an analyst at Transport Initiative Bangladesh, added, “This budget talks about the future but ignores the present. It sells dreams without providing steps to achieve them.”

Both experts stressed that public trust requires concrete details—project names, budget allocations, deadlines, and accountability mechanisms.

By contrast, Sheikh Hasina’s previous government had clearly defined timelines, budgets, and implementation phases for major projects like the Padma Bridge, Jamuna Railway Bridge, Bangabandhu Tunnel, and Metro Rail—all completed on schedule with visible public benefits.

However, Muhammad Yunus’ interim administration has yet to initiate any projects. Instead, several have been “reviewed” or “suspended,” including new metro rail routes, Dhaka-Payra rail links, and regional highway upgrades—all omitted from this budget.

While the government claims “development will continue,” no one seems concerned with how, when, or by whom.