96% construction works of Bangabandhu tunnel completed

The construction works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel has reached 96 percent, the first under-river tunnel in South Asia.

"96 percent construction works of the tunnel under river Karnaphuli in Chattogram has been completed" said Project Director of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel Md Harunur Rashid today.

The construction works of the cross passage and tunnel related to the toll plaza is also nearing completion.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the construction work of the first tunnel tube on February 24, 2019.

On October 14, 2016, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping jointly laid the foundation stone of the Bangabandhu Tunnel.

Bangabandhu Tunnel is being built at a cost of Taka 10,374 crore.

The project is being implemented with joint funding of Bangladesh and China. The Exim Bank of China is giving loan of Taka 5,913 crore while the Bangladesh government is funding the rest.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took the initiative to build a tunnel under Karnaphuli River to connect the city's Patenga and Anwara upazila of south Chattogram.

In the latest revision, the project duration has been extended till December 30, 2023, and the cost was increased by Taka 164 crore.

By 2025, an average of 28,305 vehicles will travel through Bangabandhu Tunnel every day.