As of now, the overall progress of the project is 94 per cent, according to officials. It will take two more months to complete the rest of the work.
The Karanphuli Tunnel is being built at a cost of Taka 103.74 billion. The tunnel project is being implemented with joint funding from the governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G). China’s Exim Bank is providing a loan of Taka 59.13 billion while the Government of Bangladesh is providing the remaining amount.
The Karnaphuli River divides Chattogram into two parts. The tunnel – being built following the “one city, two town” model like Shanghai in China – will connect the port city in the north to Anwara Upazila in the south.
China is providing technical and financial support to the project. At present, fire fighting, lighting and control management systems are being installed inside the tunnel. Besides this, 52 irrigation pumps are also being installed so that the rising water level during monsoon and natural calamities do not block the tunnel, said project officials.
The project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA).
Two tubes have been built adjacent to the tunnel under the Karnaphuli river. Lights, pumps and drainage systems are being installed simultaneously in the tunnel while a 772 meter flyover has also been built.
At present, the construction of toll plaza is going on in full swing at the Anwara end of the tunnel.
