Feasibility Study of Satkhira District Rural Infrastructure Development Project (SDRIDP)

Bangladesh has a well-defined hierarchical classification system for rural roads and markets, where road and market classifications are fully integrated. This system, together with clearly articulated development priorities, provides a strong framework for the rational and integrated planning of rural infrastructure investments aimed at improving rural transport connectivity and trading systems.

This framework has been implemented through a series of rural infrastructure development projects executed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and financed by multilateral and bilateral development partners in collaboration with Government of Bangladesh (GoB) resources. Notable among these initiatives are the Asian Development Bank (ADB)–financed Rural Infrastructure Development Projects, the World Bank (IDA)–financed Rural Roads and Markets Improvement and Maintenance Project–I (RRMIMP-I), and the ongoing Rural Transport Improvement Project (RTIP). In addition, development partners such as JICA, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), KfW, SDC, SIDA, DANIDA, SFD, and NORAD have supported rural infrastructure development initiatives across the country.

These projects have made significant contributions to improved rural accessibility, enhanced market connectivity, and poverty reduction, particularly through labor-intensive construction methods that generated employment opportunities for the rural poor.

The Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2021–2041 identifies rural infrastructure development as a key catalyst for accelerating rural economic growth. By 2041, Bangladesh aims to achieve high-income country status, eliminate poverty and underemployment, ensure universal access to healthcare, achieve full literacy, and promote the adoption of modern technologies across all economic sectors—particularly education, industry, and services. Importantly, this development vision emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that economic growth is achieved without environmental degradation while preserving land, water, forest resources, biodiversity, and ensuring access to clean air, safe water, and green spaces.

Within this national development context, the Satkhira District Rural Infrastructure Development Project (SDRIDP) was undertaken to assess the feasibility of targeted rural infrastructure investments aimed at improving connectivity, resilience, and economic opportunities across the district.

The consulting team carried out the following key services under the assignment:

1. Collection and analysis of detailed socioeconomic, geographic, and infrastructure-related data for Satkhira District.

2. Assessment of physical infrastructure development needs, including rural roads, bridges, culverts, and related facilities.

3. Preparation of preliminary cost estimates and assessment of financial requirements for implementing the proposed development interventions.

4. Evaluation of the institutional, technical, and implementation capacity of LGED for executing the proposed project.

5. Preparation of preliminary and draft designs for roads, bridges, culverts, and associated infrastructure components.

6. Recommendation of an appropriate implementation timeframe and phasing strategy for the project.

7. Preparation of project concepts and supporting documentation based on field data and analytical findings.

8. Preparation of the Feasibility Study Report in accordance with the prescribed format and guidelines of the Planning Commission, Government of Bangladesh.