Rajshahi Correspondent:

The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has implemented an extensive array of rural infrastructural development projects across Rajshahi Division, significantly contributing to improved connectivity, disaster resilience, and socioeconomic uplift in remote areas.

The projects include development and rehabilitation of rural roads, bridges, culverts, Union Parishad complexes, growth centers, and markets-particularly under initiatives like the Greater Rajshahi District Rural Infrastructure Development Project (GRDRIDP) and Important Rural Infrastructure Development Project-2 (IRIDP-2).

To address natural disaster-related damages, LGED has also undertaken the Flood and Disaster Damaged Rural Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (FDDRIRP).

GP Chowdhury, Additional Chief Engineer of LGED, said that in the past few years, the department has improved 105.70 km of upazila roads, 323 km of union roads, and 502.74 km of village roads. In addition, 1,000 meters of bridges and culverts have been constructed to ensure improved road connectivity from remote villages to Union Parishads and major transport routes.

Furthermore, 15.75 km of submersible roads and 4 km of road protection structures have been constructed. Ongoing development includes 1,724.17 km of village roads, 771.31 km of union roads, and 392.40 km of upazila roads, along with 8.41 km of bridges and culverts.

In terms of maintenance, 694.18 km of roads have been repaired, 456.19 km widened, and 387.37 km maintained, according to LGED.

Engineer Chowdhury noted that the aim of these projects is to strengthen rural communication networks, boost the farm and non-farm economy, and enhance access to essential services such as schools, hospitals, and markets.

“These initiatives are not just about infrastructure but are focused on raising the living standards of rural people through improved transportation, market access, and employment generation,” he added.

THE PROJECTS SPAN EIGHT DISTRICTS-RAJSHAHI, CHAPAINAWABGANJ, NAOGAON, NATORE, PABNA, SIRAJGANJ, BOGURA, AND JOYPURHAT-with special emphasis on removing physical bottlenecks, ensuring sustainable transport systems, and revitalizing rural market services.

Improved infrastructure has already led to reduced transport costs, enhanced marketing systems, and increased agricultural productivity, significantly contributing to the socioeconomic development of the region.

In addition, roadside tree plantations have been undertaken along newly developed roads, which is expected to substantially reduce carbon emissions and support climate resilience-especially in the climate-vulnerable Barind Tract.

Many village markets and growth centers have been upgraded, creating both short- and long-term employment opportunities. The improved physical infrastructure-paved trading spaces, market sheds, water supply, sanitation, drainage, and market offices-ensures fair pricing for agricultural products and stimulates rural commerce.

The participation of local communities, including women and local government institutions, in planning, implementation, and maintenance activities has also been intensified, enhancing ownership and sustainability of the projects.

Community members have also received training and awareness building on health and nutrition, helping to further empower rural populations.

The overall development, including the improvement of 69 rural markets and growth centres, is aimed at enhancing economic activities, alleviating poverty, and integrating rural economies with broader markets.

Jahangir Alam, a 56-year-old farmer from Matikata village in Godagari Upazila, said, “The improved transportation network is reducing costs and opening up new marketing opportunities for our agricultural products.”

Another grassrrot farmer, Mijanur Rahman of Krishnapur village under Tanore Upazila, said, “The rural road network will promote overall development and uplift the socioeconomic condition of our community.”

Indirect benefits, including increased farm income, higher yields, and improved access to inputs, are also helping reduce rural poverty, marking a transformative impact on the lives and livelihoods of thousands across the region.