Staff Correspondent, Ctg
The government is to start the process of constructing a tunnel under the Karnaphuli in Chittagong as soon as mid September.
Communication Minister Syed Abul Hossain said this while visiting the site of the under-construction third bridge over the Karnaphuli yesterday afternoon.
The Awami League had promised in its electoral pledges that it would build a tunnel under the Karnaphuli.
The minister said selection of the tunnel site, feasibility study and decision on other relevant matters would be made after discussing with locals, lawmakers and other beneficiaries. He, however, said the tunnel could be somewhere near the third Karnaphuli bridge.
The process for the tunnel construction would start immediate after the inauguration of the third Karnaphuli Bridge in mid September, he said, adding that the construction of the bridge is set to finish ahead of schedule.
Construction of the bridge started in August, 2006, under a Tk-590-crore project. China Major Bridge Company got the work order to build it within 38 months. The 0.95km long and 24 metre wide bridge is being built with the financial assistance of Kuwait fund.
Chinese Ambassador Zheng Qing Dian accompanied the communication minister during his visit. Roads and Highway Department Chief Engineer Nihar Mia, Bangladesh Railway Director General Belayet Hossain, Deputy Commissioner Ashraf Shamim of Chittagong and Project Director Mohiuddin Ahmed were also present.
The minister also visited some possible sites for the tunnel.
Courtesy: thedailystar.net
