Gateway to north takes shape
The long-awaited improvement in transport connectivity for northern Bangladesh is set to become a reality as construction of the country’s largest modified cloverleaf interchange at Hatikumrul in Sirajganj approaches completion.
According to project officials, around 62 per cent of the construction work has already been completed, with the remaining works expected to be finished by the scheduled deadline of 31 August. The interchange is expected to be formally inaugurated on 16 December.
Once operational, the Hatikumrul Interchange is expected to play a significant role in strengthening national and regional connectivity, trade and freight transportation. The junction serves as a critical gateway linking 22 districts in the northern and south-western parts of the country. It is situated at the intersection of three national highways-D-5, D-405 and D-507-and provides direct connectivity to 10 major land ports, four airports and four river ports.
Sources at the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) said the internationally standardised modified cloverleaf interchange is being developed under Work Package-13 of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Development Project-II. The project aims to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and enhance passenger services.
The interchange is designed to facilitate uninterrupted vehicle movement from multiple directions, reducing travel time and improving the efficiency of the transport network. The project also includes underpasses, pedestrian walkways and bus bays at key junction points to ensure safer and more convenient movement for local residents.
In addition, a highway service area and an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) building are being constructed as part of the project.
Construction is being carried out by Chinese contractor China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd., which is also expected to undertake maintenance activities for six years following completion of the three-year construction period.
Dr Md Waliur Rahman, Additional Chief Engineer of the RHD and Project Director of the SASEC-II Project, said the interchange, located at the Hatikumrul junction on the western side of the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, is widely regarded as the gateway to the northern region.
“The construction work is now in its final stages. All service lanes have been completed and opened to traffic. As a result, transport operators and commuters have already begun to benefit from the project,” he said.
He added that a direct ramp for vehicles travelling from Dhaka to Bogura and Rangpur would be opened ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, further improving traffic flow on one of the country’s busiest corridors.
Dr Rahman also noted that Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology is being introduced under the project for the first time. The interchange will feature its own solar power system, rest facilities for passengers and drivers, and dedicated lanes for motorcycles and bicycles.
“These features will significantly enhance safety by reducing the risk of head-on collisions and minimising traffic congestion within the interchange area,” he said.
The project, which involves an investment of approximately Tk 743 crore, is now nearing completion.
“When fully opened, it is expected to become the most visually impressive and technologically advanced interchange in the country,” DrRahman added.
Md Mahbubur Rahman, Project Manager of the SASEC Road Development Project-II, said the modern transport infrastructure would contribute to safer roads, faster movement of goods and improved commercial activities.
“The introduction of this advanced technology-based project is expected to reduce road accidents and accelerate business and trade, creating a positive impact on the national economy. It will bring greater speed, efficiency and safety to communication between the northern and southern regions of the country,” he said.
