Road Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River expected to boost the economy of Chittagong

摘要

At the end of June the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry of Bangladesh signed a 705 million US dollar deal with China Communication Construction Company Ltd (CCCCL) to build a 3.5 km long two lane road tunnel beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chittagong. According to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry of Bangladesh, Chittagong is the largest commercial city of Bangladesh. Most of the country's export and import activities are being carried out through Chittagong Port situated in the mouth of the Karnaphuli River.Three bridges have already been constructed over the river, which are not sufficient to accommodate the huge traffic. Moreover heavy siltation on the riverbed is a major problem for proper functioning of Chittagong Port and an obstruction for building new bridges.