Tk59bn Climate-Resilient Urban Project of BD Awaits Approval

The government has proposed the Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project (RUTDP), estimated to cost Tk5,901.22 crore, to enhance climate-resilient infrastructure and services across Bangladesh. This initiative is set for approval at today’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting, as confirmed by a Planning Commission official.

Scheduled for implementation by June 2030, the project aims to benefit six city corporations and 81 municipalities across 37 districts in five divisions of the country. Funding will be split between the Government of Bangladesh (Tk1,641.62 crore) and a project loan from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank (Tk4,259.60 crore).

The RUTDP will focus on strengthening climate resilience in select urban areas, particularly those within three key economic growth corridors. Key improvements will include upgrading urban infrastructure, enhancing municipal planning and implementation capacities, and ensuring effective maintenance.

The project plans significant urban enhancements, including:

1. Acquiring eight acres of land for development
2. Upgrading 880 kilometers of urban roads
3. Constructing 2,000 meters of bridges and culverts for improved connectivity and flood resilience
 4. Developing 200 kilometers of walkways and footpaths
 5. Installing 595 kilometers of street lighting to improve safety and visibility

Further developments will encompass the construction of 10 bus terminals, kitchen markets, and municipal supermarkets, along with comprehensive drainage systems, retaining walls, and the establishment of 10 parks and public spaces.

In addition, a new municipal building will be constructed in Dinajpur, and 70 vehicles and equipment will be procured to enhance municipal services throughout the project area.

With around 40% of Bangladesh's population residing in urban areas, the country faces challenges in delivering essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and waste management. Rapid urbanization exacerbates these issues, particularly in municipalities that struggle to keep pace with growing demands.

Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated countries, is also highly vulnerable to climate change impacts like cyclones, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures. As climate challenges intensify, an increasing number of vulnerable individuals are migrating to urban centers, further straining existing infrastructure.

In response to these urgent needs, the government and the World Bank finalized a loan negotiation on May 21, 2024, to launch this vital project. The RUTDP is expected to significantly improve urban quality of life while addressing critical infrastructure gaps and mitigating climate change effects.

This comprehensive initiative represents a major step toward fostering sustainable and resilient urban environments, positioning Bangladesh to better manage future climate-related risks and accommodate population growth.

In today’s ECNEC meeting, a total of four projects from different ministries will be reviewed, including two new and two revised initiatives. Three will rely on government and foreign loans, while one will use a combination of funding sources. Additionally, eight projects are proposed for time extensions, including the significant SASEC Road Connectivity Project-2, which aims to upgrade the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur Highway.

The project was initially budgeted at Tk11,899 crore but has been revised to Tk19,056 crore, with financing from the government and the Asian Development Bank. Other notable projects include a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River, aimed at improving connectivity between Chittagong and Cox's Bazar, and the Matarbari Port Development Project, which has also seen a budget increase.

As Bangladesh grapples with its urban challenges, the government's proactive approach through projects like the RUTDP and others highlights its commitment to building a more resilient future.