ECNEC Eyes Tk 2,082cr Rural Road Maintenance Project

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is expected to consider a Tk 2,082.12 crore government-funded project aimed at maintaining rural roads nationwide while creating employment opportunities for 45,780 poor women who are heads of households.

The proposed "Rural Road Maintenance and Employment Project", prepared by the Planning Commission, will be implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under the Local Government Division by December 2029 if approved.

The project, to be financed entirely by the government, is scheduled to be placed before the ECNEC meeting on Wednesday, to be chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

Planning Commission Member (Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division) Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan said the initiative seeks to maintain 91,560 kilometres of rural roads across 495 upazilas in all 64 districts, ensuring year-round connectivity while improving the livelihoods of disadvantaged rural families.

He noted that large-scale maintenance of LGED roads was previously carried out in 1983–84 and again during 2003–07, with no comparable nationwide programme implemented since then.

Describing the initiative as a major women-focused employment programme, he said it would generate jobs for 45,780 poor women, contributing to poverty reduction and women's economic empowerment.

Planning Commission officials said Bangladesh's rural economy relies heavily on a well-maintained road network to transport agricultural and non-agricultural products, making regular maintenance essential for trade, market access and rural development.

The proposal builds on the success of earlier Rural Employment and Road Maintenance Programmes (RERMP), which evolved from a pilot project launched in 1983 with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and CARE Bangladesh before expanding nationwide with assistance from the European Union.

The latest project will prioritise areas based on the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), Poverty Index and Environmental Hazard Index, focusing on improving rural connectivity while expanding social protection through women's employment.

According to the Planning Commission, the project aligns with the government's election commitments and supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

The Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) recommended the proposal for approval after revising the implementation schedule, rationalising procurement and operational costs, ensuring compliance with public procurement rules and preparing a post-project maintenance strategy.

If approved, the project is expected to strengthen year-round rural connectivity, facilitate the transportation and marketing of agricultural products, create sustainable employment for thousands of disadvantaged women and contribute to the country's broader socio-economic development.