Bhola set for direct road connectivity

The government has decided to connect the island district of Bhola with Barisal and Dhaka by road, through new bridges and connecting routes over the river.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday approved construction of a highway along the Rahmatpur–Hizla–Mehendiganj–Bhola route, bringing Bhola into the country's main road network, said a press release from the prime minister's press wing.
The decision was taken at a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, where three proposals for direct road connectivity between Bhola, Dhaka and Barishal were discussed. 
 The Roads and Highways Department's proposal for the Barishal–Rahmatpur-Hizla-Mehendiganj-Bhola route was selected.
PM stressed the need for an integrated road system to remove geographical barriers, ensure uninterrupted connectivity and expand trade opportunities, and directed authorities to expedite the initiative.
Officials said the route would require widening existing roads, building new ones and constructing three small bridges. A feasibility and viability assessment will follow soon.
Once completed, the project will link Bhola directly with Barishal, Dhaka and the rest of the country, cutting travel time and costs. 
Surrounded by rivers, Bhola has long relied heavily on waterways; the new link is expected to ease that dependence, with the Hizla–Mehendiganj route offering notable savings in distance, time and cost.
Senior officials, including the road transport, bridges and railways minister, the shipping and bridges state minister, and top secretaries, attended the meeting.