Construction work of the second tube of 'One City, Two Town' model of Chattogram has started. The work of the tunnel started from the edge of Anwara.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the construction of the second tube of Bangabandhu Tunnel through video conference on Saturday.
In addition to the 3.4 km long main tunnel at a cost of about Tk 10,000 crore, a 5.35 km connecting road at Patenga and Anwara ends and an overbridge of 727 meters at Anwara end are also being constructed under this project.
Work is underway to install a 12-meter-diameter tube from Chattogram end to the Anwara end, as well as a road connecting the two sides of the tunnel, officials said.
Minister Obaidul Quader said, "The construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel will create a one-city two-town model like the Shanghai River in Chattogram. A state-of-the-art communication system will be developed between Ctg and Cox's Bazar through this tunnel. 61 percent excavation of the second tube is complete.
He added that this tunnel under construction at the bottom of Karnafhuli river is the first under water tunnel in South Asia. Preparatory work has started for the construction of another Marine Down from Mirsarai to Cox's Bazar.
Agreements have been signed with the consulting firm for roads and highways. Besides, four lane upgrade project of Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Highway has been listed as a priority of the government.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has also taken initiative to formulate a long-term transport master plan for Chattogram and its adjoining areas to increase the capacity of public transport. Obaidul Quader also said that there are plans to set up a metro rail in Ctg too.
Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Cabinet Secretary Khandaker Anwarul Islam, Bridges Secretary Md Belayet Hossain, Project Director Harun Ur Rashid and others were also virtually present at the time.