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Dhaka-Chattogram Highway Expansion

Dhaka-Chattogram Highway Expansion Overview

The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway (N1) is Bangladesh's most critical arterial corridor, linking the capital Dhaka with Chattogram, the country's largest port city. The route spans roughly 250 kilometers, and more than 70% of Bangladesh's cargo logistics move along this corridor.

Expanding the current four-lane road to six to eight lanes is therefore a top-priority national project aimed at easing chronic congestion and improving logistics efficiency across the country's main trade axis.

N1 (Dhaka-Chattogram)
Route
Core national corridor
250km
Total Length
4 to 8 lanes
$3B+
Project Cost
Estimated for full corridor
RHD
Client
Road Transport Ministry
ADB/JICA/WB
Funding
Multilateral financing
4 lanes
Current Lanes
Chronic congestion
8 lanes
Target
Expressway-grade corridor
Top tier
Strategic Value
Carries 70% of freight

Segment-by-Segment Expansion Plan

Dhaka-Chattogram Highway Segment Expansion Plan
SegmentStart-EndLengthExpansion ScopeFunding
Segment 1Dhaka-Narayanganj25km4 to 8 lanesJICA
Segment 2Narayanganj-Comilla100km4 to 6 lanesADB
Segment 3Comilla-Feni60km4 to 6 lanesADB
Segment 4Feni-Chattogram65km4 to 8 lanesWB

Core Implementation Challenges

Technical Challenges
Land AcquisitionBuilding and roadside shop clearance
Meghna BridgeBridge widening or replacement
Soft GroundAlluvial soil foundation treatment
Traffic ContinuityMaintain four-lane traffic during works
Project Management Challenges
CompensationRisk of land compensation disputes
Financing MixDifferent lenders by segment
EnvironmentMandatory environmental assessment
ScheduleConstruction while keeping traffic flowing

Market Entry Strategy for Korean Companies

01
Participate in Segment-Based EPC Packages
Because the 250-kilometer corridor is likely to be tendered in four or more separate packages, Korean contractors can target multiple segments. Korea's prior expressway widening experience can be used as a strong reference, especially where traffic management during construction is a decisive capability.
02
Prepare a Dedicated Bid for the Meghna Bridge Section
The Meghna River crossing is likely to be procured as a distinct large package covering bridge widening or new construction. This section will require major river bridge expertise, making it a natural target for Korean firms with proven bridge delivery records.
03
Bundle ITS and Safety Infrastructure
As the corridor is upgraded toward expressway standards, there will be substantial demand for ITS, CCTV, variable message signs, ETC systems, guardrails, and lighting. Korean suppliers can approach the market with an integrated transport systems package rather than a single-product offer.
04
Promote an EDCF Financing Conversion
If some sections shift to EDCF financing, Korean firms gain a more favorable competitive position. A practical route would be to connect a KOICA-supported pre-feasibility study to an EDCF-funded full project, thereby improving the prospects for Korean equipment and engineering participation.

Highway Expansion Participation Flow

Dhaka-Chattogram Highway Participation Flow
Target Section
Select the most viable package
↓
PQ Submission
Document technical track record
↓
Bidding
Compete under ICB procedures
↓
Construction
Deliver while maintaining traffic
↓
O&M
Move into maintenance services

As one of the country's largest infrastructure programs, the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway expansion sits at the center of Bangladesh's logistics modernization agenda. For Korean construction and transport technology companies, it represents one of the most attractive road infrastructure opportunities in the market.

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Dhaka-Chattogram Highway Expansion | Dhaka Trade Portal