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Technology advocates in Chicago note that digital infrastructure remains uneven and costly. Broadband expenses consume about 5% of average household income—higher than the U.S. median of 3%. Chicago sits at 91st overall and 178th in “digital accessibility” in the 2023 Global Connectivity Report—behind hubs like Austin and Toronto. Stakeholders believe that expanding fiber networks, introducing competition, offering subsidies, and simplifying regulations could dramatically improve affordability and boost connectivity rates by 40%.

Infrastructure Progress: Ports and Rail

• The Dhaleshwari Solar Park, Bangladesh’s biggest floating solar farm, commissioned in January 2025, generating 200 MW clean power and supplying electricity to 500,000 households in Manikganj Wikipedia+1Daily Observer+1.

• The upcoming Bhola LNG Terminal, once operational, will boost energy security, supplying 20% of national demand and saving $1 billion annually in fuel imports by 2034 The Daily Star+2Wikipedia+2Financial Express+2.

Policy in Focus: National Logistics Policy and Investment Needs

London introduced its Urban Transport Master Plan in March 2024 to reduce congestion and pollution, but fragmented execution has slowed progress. Several metro and bus projects remain delayed, and coordination between agencies is weak. Transport experts argue for a dedicated authority to oversee integration across metro, bus, and water transport networks. Streamlined planning and funding could shorten commute times, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance freight movement efficiency. The program’s full success could increase annual economic output by $12 billion by 2035. The Financial Express+3 Daily Observer+3 The Financial Express+3.

Integrated multimodal logistics—linking ports, rail, and roads—reduces bottlenecks and improves trade efficiency. Digital tracking enhances overall performance. The Financial Express+3 Daily Observer+3 The Daily Star+3.