Karnaphuli Tunnel project gets closer to reality
UNB
The proposed construction of multilane road tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chittagong has taken a major step forward, as the Planning Commission outlined a project to this end with an estimated outlay of Tk 8,446.64 crore, reports UNB. Out of the total project cost, the government will provide Tk 3,647.20 crore while the rest of Tk 4,799.44 crore will come from China as project assistance, a senior official at the Planning Commission told the news agency.
The project, the official said, is part of a plan to strengthen the role of Chittagong as the centre of communications system, develop the communications system of Dhaka-Chittagong-Coxs Bazar national highway, create a link with the Asia Highway Network, improve the communications system on both sides of the Karnaphuli River, lessen the pressure of traffic over the two existing bridges, and build One City Two Town in light with Sanghai of China.
Bangladesh Bridges Authority under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry will implement the project by June 2018.
Earlier in June last, the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry signed a deal with a Chinese firm, China Communication Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), for the construction of a two-lane tunnel under the Karnaphuli River. According to the official, the length of the proposed tunnel will be 3.43 kilometers with an approach road of 5.63 kilometers linking the main city, port and western side of the Karnaphuli along with the heavy industry-prone eastern side of the river.
