POBNEWS24, Dhaka Nov 27, 2021 : Roads and Expressways Construction, Maintenance and Toll Collection Road Management Bill ‘Highway Bill-2021’ has been passed in the Parliament. When the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader proposed to pass it in the Parliament, it was passed by voice vote. Speaker on Saturday. The bill was passed in the inaugural session chaired by Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury.
Earlier, the Speaker referred the public opinion on the bill to the Verification and Selection Committee and disposed of the amendment proposals. After the bill was tabled in Parliament on September 4, it was sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges for scrutiny.
Parliament has been informed that the bill has been passed to repeal the Highways Act of 1925 for conducting highways, construction, development and maintenance activities and for free, orderly and safe movement of vehicles. According to the provisions of the bill, violation of this law is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of five thousand to five lakh rupees.
The bill states that under the law, the government will issue a gazette stating who will or will not enter any road or highway. Which will be declared as expressway with highway. How to manage. Which toll will be taken.
The bill further states that sustainable infrastructure bearing the adverse effects of climate change will be built by identifying high-risk areas in the highway network to reduce the potential damage to highways from the effects of natural disasters caused by climate change.
The bill also stipulates that the government or persons authorized by the government shall develop, repair or maintain highways, construct and renovate highway related sewerage systems, drains, culverts, bridges. It said that utility connections of government, semi-government, autonomous or non-government organizations providing civic services could be set up along the highways, subject to payment of fixed tolls. However, during the development, repair or maintenance of the highway, if necessary, those connections will be transferred to the concerned authority providing the services at its own cost under the supervision of the department at the specified time.
The bill sets out what needs to be done to keep the highway or road immovable, movable property, free from illegal occupation or access, and how far people can go to their homes to survey. It has been said that the highway cannot be used for drying crops, hay or any other product or for any similar purpose. No footpath shall be allowed on any place other than the designated place on the highway or in any place on the highway except for the purpose permitted under this Act.
It also said that no billboards, signboards, arches or anything similar can be hung or placed on the highway without the permission of the Department of Roads and Highways. Slow-moving vehicles will not be able to use any lane other than the designated lane on the highway.
The new law contains necessary provisions including reduction of damage to highways, stability, overall safety and overload control to ensure smooth movement of vehicles. In addition, provision has been made for the disabled, children and the elderly to take steps for safe and secure use of the highway.
