It is disconcerting to note that around 25 per cent of the rural roads are now in bad shape. There is no denying that the present government has been relentlessly working for the development of the country’s transport infrastructure. However, alongside implementation of big projects, it is the need of the hour that the government puts more importance on improving rural roads to make regional connectivity easier and faster.
Experts are of the opinion that most of the rural roads get damaged too early due to faulty construction and use of low-quality materials. In most developed countries, all city roads and highways are constructed with mix of sand, cement and concrete as these construction ingredients are stronger, water-resistant and low in maintenance cost. But in Bangladesh most of the roads are built with bitumen, low quality sand and brick-chips, and this is the main reason behind the poor lifespan of our roads. Therefore, authorities concerned should devise immediate actions to construct the roads and highways using concrete.
An efficient rural road
network can play the
most important role
in improving rural
livelihood
Poor road connectivity is one of the main reasons stopping growth in rural areas. More than 60 percent of the total population in Bangladesh lives in rural areas. As most marts of our rural landscape don't have an all-weather road connection a large section of the country's rural population has still remained isolated from the mainstream, thus depriving themselves of the benefits of the country's economic growth.
An efficient rural road network can play the most important role in improving rural livelihoods. Also, with easier access to market and technology, improved rural roads can help boost agricultural production and foster economic growth. , Therefore, it is time for the authorities concerned and all relevant departments to put forth their concerted efforts to improve the condition of the rural roads in no time.
