Construction of the four-lane Benapole-Jessore highway will formally start soon, amid high hopes that it will boost trade with neighbouring India and make road communications easier across the country.

Considered as one of  the country's important business routes, the highway will significantly boost export and import, and contribute to the country's GDP, say government officials and businesspeople.

The present road is one of the the busiest, with daily traffic of around 1,000 vehicles. But the highway, having only two lanes, is struggling to accommodate the rising volume of traffic, and sees nagging tailbacks regularly.

All these will be a thing of the past as the highway will be expanded to four lanes from two. The travel time between the port city and the capital will come down to six hours from eight to nine hours.

Former president of Jessore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mizanur Rahman said, "We are happy and excited about construction of the four-lane Benapole-Jessore highway. We have been waiting for this for a long time." It will save both time and money, and boost the country's export and import, he added.

President of Benapole C & F Agents' Association Mofizur Rahman Sajon said around 95 percent of the imported and exported goods are transported through the Benapole-Jessore highway.

The reduction in travel time would cut transportation costs, said Al Haj Nuruzaman, managing director of Padma Trading Corporation, an importer in Benapole.

Monirul Islam, lawmaker of Jessore -2 constituency, said they are happy that the road would be expanded to a four-lane one. "The highway will not only contribute to the country's economy but also make travelling more comfortable for passengers," he said, adding that around 1,500 passengers go to India through this road every day. 

Monirul requested the authorities not to cut the hundred-years-old Shisu trees (rain tree) beside the road.

The 35.89km highway will cost around Tk 329 crore, and will be completed in 2019.