ECNEC approved Karnaphuli Tunnel project in Chittagong

The tunnel would link the main city's southern industrial zone with the main city and straighten the road communication with the sea resort town of Cox's Bazar.

Prime Minister and ECNEC chairperson Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting at the NEC conference room at the Planning Commission at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Briefing the newsmen following the meeting Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the 13th ECNEC meeting approved a total of 11 other development projects alongside the Karnuphuli Tunnel with outlay of Taka 16,978 crore.

"Of the total project costs, the government will provide Taka 11,725 crore from the national exchequer, the organizations concern will contribute Taka 4.92 crore from their own funds and the rest Taka 5,248 crore would come as project assistance," he added.

Kamal said the government would provide Taka 3,647 crore for the Karnaphuli Tunnel alone and the rest of the amount required for the "dream project" would come from China as project assistance.

Officials familiar with the project earlier said Bangladesh Bridges Authority would implement the project by June 2020 while the government already struck a deal with a Chinese firm for the construction the 3.40 km main tunnel, 4.89km approach road, toll plazas and other facilities.

Officials said the Karnaphuli River has divided Chittagong district into two parts. One part is confined to the city and the port, and the other part is the area of heavy industry.

Three bridges have already been constructed over the Karnaphuli River, but they appeared insufficient for the growing traffic.

Morphologists' feared construction of more such bridges would intensify a siltation trend in the river endangering the Chittagong Port, a situation that prompted authorities to undertake the tunnel project to avoid the problem.

Chittagong is the main seaport and commercial city of Bangladesh that is why most of the export and import activities are being carried out through Chittagong Port situated in the mouth of the Karnaphuli River.

The day's ECNEC meeting also approved a project titled "Establishment of National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka" with Taka 522 crore under which the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute would be set up at Chankharpul in Dhaka as a center of excellence.

The other major projects approved in the meeting are road turn straitening on Dhaka-Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway to Chakrashala with Taka 74.31 crore, Construction of Administrative Building and Sailors Barrack for three Coast Guard Stations project with Taka 35.74 crore, Development and expansion of water supply system at Khulna city with Taka 33.48 crore.

The ECNEC also approved a project suggesting development of selected private colleges through the support of ICT (1st revised) with Taka 5,547 crore, while another such approved project suggests establishment of 40 technical training centers at 40 Upazilas and one institute of marine technology in Chittagong with Taka 1,331 crore.

The rests of the project which were approved today were development of infrastructural facilities at Khulna Engineering and Technology University (1st revised) with Taka 122.98 crore, Bangladesh Economic Zone-1st phase (1st revised) with Taka 122.34 crore, establishment of pre-paid e-meters at Dhaka Divisional zone under the Rural Electrification Board with Taka 436.45 crore, ensuring power supply at the remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts through establishment of solar panels with Taka 40 crore and expanding artificial breeding programme and implementation of sperm transfer technology (3rd phase) with Taka 265.43 crore.

Ministers and State Ministers attended the meeting while Planning Commission members and secretaries concerned were present at the meeting.

News: BSS