One road connecting 23 tourism destinations

Shah Didar Alam Noble, Sylhet

A new road connecting 23 tourism destinations in Sylhet promises to streamline travel, reduce tourist expenses, and stimulate local economies.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the Road Transport and Highways Division to take the initiative. The preliminary review by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is already complete, and further coordination meetings will determine whether RHD or LGED (Local Government Engineering Department) will undertake the road construction.

Most of Sylhet's tourism centers are located in the bordering areas of Companiganj, Gowainghat, and Jaflong upazilas, but the lack of efficient transportation and road connectivity often hinders visitors from exploring multiple destinations in a short period, resulting in increased costs and limited time spent at each site. Improved road infrastructure is expected to unlock the full potential of Sylhet's natural beauty and make it more accessible to tourists.

During a district administrative conference held on January 24th, the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner, Mujibur Rahman, proposed that constructing a road from Sylhet to Jaflong, Saadapathor, and Osmani International Airport would encourage private sector investments in tourism, thereby boosting the local economy.

To implement this project, approximately 30 kilometers of road construction, reconstruction, and expansion work will be necessary. This development will open up opportunities for tourists to explore the beauty of Sylhet within a short timeframe, including Hazrat Shahjalal (R.A.) Shrine, Hazrat Shah Paran (R.A.) Shrine, the International Cricket Stadium, Lawachara National Park, Baishnath, Khasi Kum, Jaflong, Tamabil, Noluyaripara, Dibor Haor, Jaintapur, Lalakhal, and Ratargul.

Sylhet Road and Highways Department's Executive Engineer, MD Mostafizur Rahman, mentioned that work on the road project has already commenced following the Prime Minister's directives. Initial assessments have been completed, and it will be decided in the upcoming coordination meeting whether the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) or Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) will carry out the construction.

Additionally, a detailed survey of the road's surroundings within 150 meters, including existing structures and water bodies, will be conducted to plan accordingly.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 5, 2023, and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.