Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, the first under-river tunnel in South Asia, will open for traffic in January as over 94 percent work has already been completed.
Ahead of the grand opening, the government is going to celebrate the completion of civil work of the tunnel's south tube tomorrow (Nov 25).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to virtually join the celebration from her official Ganabhaban residence.
On the eve of the occasion, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus visited the celebration venue in Chattogram.
Talking to reporters, Ahmad Kaikaus informed that over 94 percent work of the 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel' has already been completed.
"It is expected that all works of the tunnel will be completed in January next. The tunnel will be opened for public within January," he added.
Responding to a question, Kaikaus said it is expected that the tunnel will contribute 0.166 percent in the growth of the national economy.
"The tunnel will greatly improve the traffic situation in Chattogram and promote economic development of the country," he added.
He said people in Bangladesh are eagerly waiting with joy and excitement for the inauguration of the Bangabandhu Tunnel, another mega project after the Padma Bridge.
Bridges Division Secretary Md Monjur Hossain said the first tunnel in South Asia will represent Bangladesh's pride, dignity, and ability to complete a mega structure.
He said the government has taken the project for building the port city of Chattogram like the Chinese city of Shanghai based on the "One City, Two Town" design.
Monjur said the Southern part of Bangladesh's road network will undergo a revolutionary change due to the tunnel.
On October 14, 2016, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping jointly laid the foundation stone of the Karnaphuli Tunnel.
On February 24, 2019, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the boring work of the first tunnel tube and on December 12, 2020. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader opened the boring work of the second tube.
BDST: 1720 HRS, NOV 25, 2022
MN
