The government has undertaken a Tk 1,064.26 crore project to widen and upgrade Rangamati (Manikchhari)–Mahalchhari–Khagrachhari Regional Highway in a bid to improve road safety, strengthen connectivity and boost economic activities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Roads and Highways Department (RHD) under the Road Transport and Highways Division will implement the project, titled “Widening and Upgradation of Rangamati (Manikchhari)–Mahalchhari–Khagrachhari Regional Highway (R-162).”
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The entire cost will be financed by the government from its own funds and the work is expected to be completed by December, 2029.
Officials said the 61.50-kilometre highway, which falls under the Rangamati Road Circle, connects key areas of Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts in Chattogram division.
The project area includes Rangamati Sadar and Naniarchar upazilas in Rangamati district and Khagrachhari Sadar and Mahalchhari upazilas in Khagrachhari district.
According to project documents, about 14.85 km of the road currently has a width of 5.50 metres, while the remaining 46.65 km is only 3.7 metres wide—far below the standard required for a regional highway.
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The 38.35 km stretch from Rangamati to Mahalchhari was originally constructed around 1986 under the Chengi Valley Project.
Later, the 23.15 km section from Mahalchhari to Khagrachhari was developed by the Khagrachhari Road Division with government funding.
Despite being classified as a regional highway, the road has not been upgraded to standard width and specifications, leading to frequent accidents and growing concerns among local residents and transport operators.
Under the new project, major works will include earth filling, strengthening and widening of the existing pavement, raising pavement levels, and constructing approach roads. Bituminous binder and wearing courses will also be laid.
Besides, rigid pavement and bus bays will be constructed at selected locations, while RCC retaining walls, brick masonry guide walls, concrete guide posts and guardrails will be installed to improve road safety.
The project will also involve construction of new culverts, extension of existing culverts, installation of V drains and U drains, boundary walls, tree plantation and relocation of utility services.
Officials said the improved highway would help establish a safer, more comfortable and time-efficient road network in the region.
A Planning Commission official said the project would significantly upgrade the standard of the existing road infrastructure through widening and strengthening of the regional highway.
“Once implemented, the project will help establish an improved, safe, comfortable and cost-effective road network in the region,” the official said.
He added that the upgraded highway would facilitate faster transportation of locally produced goods to Chattogram port city and other parts of the country, reducing both travel time and transportation costs.
The improved connectivity is also expected to create employment opportunities, accelerate socio-economic development in the hill districts and unlock greater potential for tourism in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Stakeholders believe the project will play a crucial role in integrating the remote hill areas with the national road network and improving overall mobility in the region.