Bridging the gap: addressing challenges in public infrastructure development project proposals

Abstract

Public infrastructure development is a critical driver of economic growth, connectivity and social welfare in Bangladesh. However, the preparation of infrastructure project proposals often faces significant challenges, resulting in delays, cost overruns and inefficiencies. This study examines these challenges through four key case studies from the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA): (i) Feasibility study for Construction of Bridges over the river Meghna on Shariatpur-Chandpur Road & Gazaria-Munshigonj road and preparation of Master Plan for Bangladesh Bridge Authority, (ii) Bridge on Matlab Uttar–Gazaria Road over the Meghna–Dhonagoda River, (iii) Widening of Road and Construction of Elevated Road from Panchabati to Mukterpur Bridge Project and (iv) Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway. Using a qualitative case study approach, secondary data from BBA reports and relevant literature were analyzed to identify and categorize challenges into five major areas: financial, technical, administrative, stakeholder-related and external factors. The findings reveal that financial challenges are among the most critical with average cost escalations due to inaccurate cost estimations, inflation and funding delays. Mega projects like the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway Project were particularly affected due to complex G2G financing negotiations. Technical challenges included incomplete feasibility studies, lack of accurate geotechnical and traffic data and limited in-house expertise, forcing reliance on external consultants and leading to frequent design revisions. Administrative and bureaucratic challenges were evident in approval processes that took longer than planned due to overlapping responsibilities and inefficient workflows. Stakeholder-related challenges, such as poor community engagement and conflicts among government agencies, led to land acquisition disputes and resistance from local populations, especially in the Matlab Bridge and Panchabati–Mukterpur projects. External challenges including political transitions, natural disasters and currency fluctuations added further uncertainty to the proposal preparation process. The study highlights that financial and administrative issues dominate mega projects, while technical and stakeholder-related problems are more prevalent in regional and urban projects. These challenges are deeply interconnected, for example, incomplete feasibility studies lead to inaccurate budgeting, which in turn delays funding approvals and implementation. To address these systemic issues, the study proposes integrated solutions such as dynamic cost modeling, milestone-based financing, strengthening technical expertise, adopting advanced technologies like GIS and BIM, implementing digital approval systems, structured community consultation frameworks and proactive risk management strategies. The research concludes that improving proposal preparation is vital to ensure the success of public infrastructure projects. Without reforms, projects will continue to suffer from inefficiencies, resulting in wasted resources and public dissatisfaction. Key recommendations include establishing a centralized proposal management system, introducing time-bound approval policies, increasing transparency through public portals and building institutional capacity through training and technology adoption. Implementing these measures could reduce proposal preparation delays by up to 40%, optimize public spending and significantly improve infrastructure reliability and sustainability. Ultimately, this study provides a roadmap for BBA and other government agencies to enhance efficiency, accountability and public trust, ensuring that future infrastructure projects contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s long-term development goals.