The Road

ROADS 

INTRODUCTION 

A road network is a valuable Government asset and failure to maintain the roads that form the network will lead to their rapid deterioration which in turn will lead to increases in road user costs and accidents and the need for expensive reconstruction works. Well-maintained roads make a valuable contribution towards the country’s economy. 

ROADS UNDER ROADS & HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT 

The main road network of the country is under Roads and Highways Department (RHD). Maintenance of the roads including bridges is carried out by RHD. There is approximately 20,850 km of roads under this department. The road network capable to carry vehicles has increased significantly and is increasing every year. Bangladesh government realises the importance of road maintenance and the RHD has given more emphasis on this subject. Only a few years back there was no proper planning and system for road maintenance. Therefore International agencies assisted the Government of Bangladesh to address and solve the problem. RHD has created an HDM Circle within the department. The HDM Circle will assist with road maintenance planning and implementation by using modern technology. "The Road Condition Survey" is a step forward for the government in order to achieve proper road maintenance. 

ROAD CLASSIFICATION 

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) within the Ministry of Communications, is responsible for the management of approximately 20,850 km comprising three categories of road classes; National, Regional and Feeder type ‘A’ roads. 

National Highways 

National Highways are defined as Highways connecting national capital with different divisional and old district headquarters port cities and international highways. These roads have been categorised as National Highways considering the national importance and geographical positions. Each National Highway has been provided Ministry of Communication Road Condition Roads and Highways Department Survey Manual E:\Documents\Road Condition Survey Manual\Road Condition Survey Manual.docPage 4 (20) with a name and a number, such as Dhaka-Chittagong Highway has been numbered N-1 whereas N stands for National. This number can only be changed by RHD head quarter. 

Regional Highways 

Regional Highways are defined as Highways connecting different regions and new district headquarters not connected by National Highways Feeder Road. Regional Highways are named after National Highways of national importance. Names and numbers of these highways are decided such as Comilla-Lalmai, R-140, whereas R stands for Regional meaning the Region. This number can only be changed by RHD head quarter. 

Feeder Road 

Feeder Roads are defined as Roads connecting Upazila head quarters and other important rural centres (growth centres) with the existing Road network. These connecting roads are defined as Feeder Roads. There are two types of Feeder roads. Feeder road - Type A and Feeder road - Type B. Name and numbers of these roads are decided such as Akhaura-Agartala, F-1203 whereas F stands for feeder.