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Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) is actively implementing numerous uplift projects aimed at improving the city's infrastructure and the living conditions of its residents. These projects include road construction and widening, development of residential areas, and beautification of public spaces. The RDA is collaborating with organizations such as Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), and the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) to implement these schemes. Captain Monsur Ali Park has been beautified and modernized, in addition to the development of Parijat Lake to attract more visitors. Alongside urban planning, developments are also progressing to address the housing crisis, create commercial and economic opportunities, and enhance communication systems for building a modern and well-planned city. In recent years, the RDA has implemented bypass roads, expanded the road network, and launched modern housing and greenery projects-contributing to the city's beautification and improving residents' quality of life.
Abdullah al Tarique, Superintending Engineer of RDA, said they have constructed a north-south connecting road-from the area adjacent to the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) campus to the bypass road-at a cost of around Taka 206.64 crore. The 5-km four-lane road includes a 9,000-meter RCC drain, eight culverts, a four-lane overpass, and 5,000 meters of water, power, gas, and telephone lines each. Necessary development work under the Barnoy Residential Area Development Project has been completed. Key components of the Taka 73.11 crore project included the development of 227 residential plots, construction of a 1.86 km single-lane road with bituminous carpeting, a 4,086-meter RCC drain, 18 culverts, and the provision of water and electricity supply to the entire area. "We also have another residential area development project involving around Taka 93.51 crore," said Engineer Tarique, adding that 18.11 acres of land were acquired for the project.
Sheikh Quamruzzaman, Assistant Engineer of RDA, said on Thursday that RDA Square has been constructed at the Talaimari crossing in the heart of the city at a cost of around Taka 197.52 crore. He said the square was built on a 12,518.08 square meter area. The basement includes car parking, an amphitheatre, and an art gallery. "There is a modern sound system, lighting, a permanent art gallery with a digital screen, and a museum on the ground floor," said Quamruzzaman, adding that the first floor will have a sophisticated restaurant, landscaped surroundings, immersive displays, and open seating and recreational facilities. The square is also equipped with five passenger lifts, generators, solar panels, and a substation for power supply. RDA has finalized a 20-year master plan aiming to ensure planned development in the city and its surrounding areas. According to SM Tuhinur Alam, Chairman of RDA, around 365.55 square kilometres—covering two adjacent municipalities and 12 union parishads—have been included in the master plan, which spans from 2022 to 2041.
He said RDA's primary goal is to ensure planned urban growth and city development. Just after its establishment in 1976, RDA began preparing its first 20-year master plan, which was implemented in 1984 in an area of 127 square kilometres. After the first plan expired, RDA developed a new master plan named the Rajshahi Metropolitan Development Plan (RMDP). While preparing the RMDP, RDA became the first in Bangladesh to use modern planning tools and techniques like GPS, Total Station, RTK, and GIS software. Detailed socio-economic, transport, and physical feature surveys were conducted, including contour and RL (Reduced Level) records. All collected data were preserved as a digital data bank. "We are very optimistic about achieving better outcomes under the current master plan," said Tuhinur Alam. To ensure its success, RDA has been holding coordination meetings with stakeholders, relevant organizations, and public representatives.
Under the new plan, efforts are underway to transform Rajshahi into a green, healthy, educational, and industrial city. New residential and commercial areas are being built-or will be built-in and around the city. Wide internal roads and footpaths, playgrounds, Eidgahs, lakes, or reservoirs will be developed in these areas. Plans are in place to ensure that all electricity, gas, water, and data lines are installed underground. The previous Master Plan (2004) was not sufficient to meet the current needs of the city. To prepare the new one, a consulting team comprising both domestic and foreign experts was formed and a comprehensive digital survey was conducted.
