The EUR912.53 million (Tk 85 billion) tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chittagong will be constructed with the financial and technical assistance of China. The Bridges Division of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry will supervise the work.

The primary groundworks to construct the tunnel and build up two cities on both banks of the Karnaphuli River has already been completed. The construction of necessary infrastructure, including residences for Chinese engineers and related employees, has almost been completed.

The feasibility study and acquisition process for 1,100 acres of land for the tunnel have also been finished.

Two Megawatts of electricity has already been used to construct the tunnel. A15-Megawatt substation will also be set up imminently to ensure construction runs smoothly.

The 4-lane tunnel will be 3.5km in length, while the approach road on both sides of the river will be around 6 km. The tunnel will connect the proposed Asian Highway to the Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Highway.

The tunnel will reduce the distance by road between Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, also easing the heavy traffic bound for the port-city from Dhaka. Construction is expected to begin next month. Click bd/12 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit http://www.bba.gov.bd.  29/17.