Connecting road essential for the best use of Bangabandhu Tunnel
The construction of Bangabandhu Tunnel under the Karnaphuli river will be an achievement to boast about for the government. This tunnel will be the first of its kind in the country. But construction of a new road from Anwara in Chattogram to Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar via Banshkhali is essential for the best use of the tunnel. We have not heard of any dispute about this among the concerned authorities. But there is no initiative visible for the construction of the road though the construction of the tunnel is in the halfway. Any delay in the contruction of the road would be a matter of regret.
The underwater tunnel will reduce the distance between Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram by 40 kms. It is likely to be opened for the people in December 2022. It would be possible to move from Cox’s Bazar and south Chattogram to Dhaka and other parts of the country bypassing the traffic congestion of Chattogram city. This would reduce the traffic jam in Chattogram city as well. But all these depends on the construction of the proposed road.
The main theme of development is to ensure people’s highest benefit and advantages. Why the construction of the road stretching from Anwara in Chattogram to Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar via Banshkhali would not get priority when we are constructing the underwater tunnel at a cost of Tk 100 billion?
Lack of finance or technical expertise also has not been reported. It would be a matter of regret if the construction of this all-important road remains stalled due to red-tape.
A Prothom Alo correspondent has visited the spot but saw no initiative of the construction of the road. The remarks of highways division secretary is not satisfactory either. He said they have been composing the development project proposal (DPP). Steps for approval of the project would be taken after completion of the DPP. Though he said it would not take much time. But, we are afraid, our experience says the opposite.
We agree with the Chittagong Chamber that it is not possible to get the full benefit of this project if the tunnel is made without the construction of roads. It is expected that the tunnel will be completed soon. But not only the construction of the tunnel, it is expected that people will enjoy maximum benefit from this project. The Karnaphuli Bridge was started about 11 years ago before the construction of the connecting road with the main city. The city dwellers have just begun to see the benefits of that bridge as the construction of the link-road was completed recently.
Taking this experience into account, we would hope the tunnel made underneath the Karnaphuli river will not become another story of second Karnaphuli Bridge. A number of industries, including coal-based thermal power plant and LNG station with domestic and foreign investment are being set up in Matarbari at Maheshkhali upazila of Cox's Bazar. To enjoy the full benefit of foreign investment and major development projects the completion of the road is necessary. An urgent poitical decision is a must in this circumstance.