Marking a new landmark in the country’s development journey, the people of the Port City will experience a new dimension of the economy like China’s Shanghai through the inauguration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, built under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram.

The authorities have made all preparations ahead of the much-awaited inauguration of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, running beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, scheduled to be opened on October 28.

People are waiting to see a transformative change in the former commercial capital's economy through the opening of the tunnel.

She is likely to join a public rally at Anwara upazila. A festive mood is prevailing in the area following the inauguration ceremony of the tunnel.

Around 10 lakh people are expected to join the rally, said Mafizur Rahman, general secretary of Chattogram district (south) unit Awami League.

A colourful decoration was made at the two ends of the tunnel—Patenga and Anwara and the Anwara KEPZ field was prepared for the rally.

The authorities concerned are busy colouring the roads and the whole areas are flooded with posters and banners.

A mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was set up in front of the Shah Amanat International Airport and a shampan was placed there.

The authorities concerned are working to erect a podium at the rally venue.

Shakila Sultana, deputy commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), said the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the tunnel at Patenga point and will go to the Anwara point through the tunnel.

Adequate security measures have been taken in the area to ensure foolproof security to the prime minister.

Centering the inauguration ceremony, the two ends of the tunnel have been decorated and once the 3.4 kilometre long tunnel, involving Tk 10.374crore, will be opened, people can cross the tunnel in five minutes.

According to some businessmen, the tunnel will play a pivotal role in the region's economic growth as Bangladesh's economy will be transformed by enriching the economic zones and industries.

It will also help to boost the tourism sector and enhance connectivity.

Harun-or-Rashid, project director of the tunnel, said “The tunnel is fully prepared for running vehicles and the construction work of fire service and police camp building on the two edges of the tunnel is going on. Almost 99% work of the project has been completed and the rest will be done in December.”

Asking about security, Harun said over 100 CCTVs have been installed inside the tunnel.

The speed of the vehicle was fixed at 60 kilometres per hour and no motorbike and three-wheelers will be allowed on the tunnel, he added.

Besides, weight scales were set up on the entrance of the tunnel to check movement of heavy vehicles, he said.

During a recent visit to the Anwara point of the tunnel, this correspondent found that the construction work of a six-lane 11-kilometre road from Y Junction to Kalabibir Dighi has been finished and an industrial hub was created on both sides of the tunnel.

Local people said due to the opening of the Bangabandhu tunnel a number of industrial factories were opened, creating employment.

The lifestyle of the people was also transformed.

Besides, a China economic zone was established on 730 acres of the area where many factories including Korean EPZ and CUFL were housed.

The tunnel will boost the connectivity with the district town to the Southern part of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar.

“The tunnel will help to play a pivotal role in the country’s economy through the establishments of industries and factories in the southern part of the country,” said Mahbubul Alam, president of FBCCI.

According to the project, two tubes with 16 feet height and 35 feet width, were built so that the heavy vehicles can easily cross the tunnel.

The total length of the tunnel was 3.40 kilometre and a 5.35 kilometre approach road and 740 metre bridge were built to connect the town, port and east and west side of the river.

The tunnel project is being implemented with joint funding of the governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G). The Exim Bank of China is giving a loan of Tk 5,913 crore while the Bangladesh government is funding the rest.

The Karnaphuli river divides Chattogram into two parts. The tunnel being built – following the “One City, Two Towns” model like Shanghai in China – will connect the port city on the north with Anwara upazila on the south.

China is providing technical and financial assistance to the project. Currently, firefighting, lighting and control management systems are being installed inside the tunnel. Besides, 52 irrigation pumps were installed so that rising water levels during monsoon and natural disasters do not block the tunnel, said project officials.

The toll rates for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel have been fixed. The bridges division issued a notification finalising the toll rate according to the class of vehicles on July 13.

According to the notification, a total of 12 types of vehicles will have to pay toll at Bangabandhu Tunnel. The toll rate will come into effect from the day the tunnel is opened for vehicular movement.

According to the notification, the minimum toll in the 3.43-km-long Bangabandhu Tunnel is Tk 200. This toll has been fixed for private cars and pick-up trucks.

The toll for microbuses is Tk 250. The toll for buses less than 31 seats is Tk 300 while buses with more than 32 seats will have to pay Tk 400. The toll for big buses with 3XL has been fixed at Tk 500.

The toll for trucks capable of carrying goods up to five tonnes has been fixed at Tk 400. Eight-ton trucks will have to pay Tk 500 and Tk 600 toll has been fixed for 11-ton trucks.

The 3XL trailer will have to pay Tk 800 in toll to cross the tunnel. Meanwhile, a 4XL trailer will pay Tk 1,000. An additional Tk 200 toll will be added for more XL.

Based on the feasibility study conducted for the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, it is projected that once the tunnel becomes operational, an average of 28,305 vehicles will traverse through it on a daily basis by the year 2025.

Furthermore, the study estimates that by 2030, the number of vehicles is expected to increase to 37,946, and by 2067, the target has been set at an average of 162,000 vehicles per day.