Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram earned Tk 25 lakh toll on the first weekly holiday since its opening, as some 7,000 vehicles went through it from 8 am to 8 pm on Friday (November 03, 2023). Tanvir Rifat, assistant engineer (toll and traffic) of the tunnel, shared the information with UNB. The pressure of vehicles was high on the first weekly holiday since the tunnel had opened as thousands of commuters thronged it — causing traffic congestion on both sides, he said.Vehicles took 30 to 45 minutes to cross the tunnel instead of the usual 3.5 minutes due to the heavy traffic. Belayet Hossain, toll manager of the tunnel, said the high number of commuters in vehicles contributed to the traffic gridlock on Friday. Read: Bangabandhu Tunnel: Tk 7.1 lakh toll collected on 2nd day Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first underwater tunnel on October 28. Tk 12,13,300 was collected as toll, as 5,429 vehicles used the tunnel on the first day it opened to traffic (October 29). On the second day, some 3,205 vehicles went through the tunnel and Tk 7.1 lakh was collected as toll. The tunnel opened for vehicular movement at 6 am on October 29. Traffic movement remained low due to the ongoing countrywide hartal called by the opposition parties on Sunday. Read: Tk 1.48 lakh toll collected in 7 hours since Bangabandhu Tunnel opened As many as 14 boxes were set up at Anwara end to collect the toll. A total of 12 categories of vehicles will be able to go through the Bangabandhu Tunnel. The minimum toll for traffic movement in the tunnel has been set at Tk 200, and the maximum is Tk 1,000. Motorcycles or three-wheelers will not be allowed in the Bangabandhu Tunnel. Read more: Bangabandhu Tunnel opens for traffic

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, running  beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, is now awaiting inauguration, with the primary construction phase successfully concluded. The main tunnel is fully equipped and prepared for vehicular movement. This historic project marks the country's first-ever underwater tunnel, and preparations for its grand inauguration are underway. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the tunnel in Chattogram on October 28. Marking the occasion, the prime minister will address a rally at the Anwara end of the tunnel. Also read: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20 Commencing from the following day, the tunnel will be open for vehicular traffic, providing a significant transportation milestone for the region. In this regard, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the primary construction phase of the tunnel has been successfully concluded. “Presently, the focus is on resolving technical matters within the tunnel. The inauguration of this remarkable project heralds Bangladesh's entry into the era of underwater tunnels,” said Quader. This ‘monumental achievement’ will usher in a new era of communication within the country, marking a source of immense national pride, he added. Also read: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October   The Bridges Division Secretary Md. Manzur Hossain told UNB that the primary tunnel is fully ready for vehicular traffic. “Ongoing efforts encompass various aspects, including the establishment of essential infrastructure such as fire service and police station buildings. The overall progress of the tunnel project stands at 98 percent,” he said. "Our activities will continue even after the inauguration. It has been discussed to establish a police station, a dumping area, and a station, and the space is available for that. Those who are involved in the operation and those who will perform maintenance will have their own vehicles," he added. The secretary said that the traffic division has devised a dedicated plan for managing the flow of traffic both within and around the tunnel area, aiming to ensure seamless transportation. Inside the tunnel, vehicles will be able to run at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour. It has been decided which vehicles will run in the tunnel. Tolls have also been fixed, said the Bridges secretary (see bolow). Also read: HSIA Terminal 3: Final preparations on course for Oct 7 inauguration “The concept of the tunnel is new to us. That's why it has some challenges. It is different from other bridges or roads. In that case, we have to make sure that the tunnel will be safe and those who use it will also be safe,” said Hossain, adding, “From that perspective, I don't think it's safe for two- or three-wheelers at the moment.” Harun-ur-Rashid, project director of the tunnel, told UNB that the scope of Chittagong city will increase once the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel is opened. "Chittagong city marks one end of the tunnel, while the other end leads to Anwara Upazila. The development of tunnels is transforming Anwara into a burgeoning city. Concurrently, the land prices in Anwara Upazila have seen a substantial increase." Numerous industries, both large and small, are emerging on both sides of the road leading to the tunnel's terminus in Anwara Upazila. When the tunnel becomes operational, it will reduce the Karnaphuli River crossing time to just three minutes. As time is of the essence, the economy is expected to thrive. The tunnel is poised to bring about a transformative change in road connectivity between the capital, Dhaka, and Chittagong city, as well as the tourist destination of Cox's Bazar. Also read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday The main tunnel spans a length of 3.32 kilometres, with each of the two four-lane tubes measuring 2.45 kilometres. Additionally, there will be a 5.35 km link road at both the west and east ends of the main tunnel, along with a 727-metre-long flyover at the Anwara end. The tunnel is situated at a depth ranging from 18 to 31 metres beneath the Karnaphuli River. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina initiated the commencement of boring for the first or northern tunnel from Patenga to Anwara on February 24, 2019. The loan agreement had been signed on June 30, 2015, following a feasibility study of the project in 2011 and a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014. Construction work officially began on December 5, 2017, following the appointment of the contractor. This project is jointly funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G), with a total cost of Tk 10,698 crore. The construction work for the tunnel is being carried out by the China Communication and Construction Company Limited (CCCC). The Government of Bangladesh is executing this project with the aim of creating a 'One City Two Towns' concept, similar to Shanghai in China, on either side of the Karnaphuli River. Also read: Elevated expressway marks first of 9 megaprojects to be inaugurated before election A total of 12 types of vehicles will be subject to toll charges when using the 3.43 km long Bangabandhu Tunnel. The minimum toll fee has been set at Tk200, applicable to private cars. Pickup trucks will also be charged Tk200 for each crossing, while microbuses will be charged Tk250. Buses with fewer than 31 seats will incur a toll of Tk300, while those with more than 32 seats will pay Tk400. Big buses with three axles will be charged a toll of Tk500. The toll for trucks capable of carrying goods up to five tonnes has been fixed at Tk400. Eight-ton trucks will have to pay Tk500 and 11-ton trucks will have to pay Tk600. A three-axle container trailer will cost Tk800. A four-axle trailer will cost Tk1,000. However, an additional Tk200 will have to be paid for each additional axle. The toll rate will come into effect on the day the tunnel is opened for vehicular movement. Read more: Toll rates fixed for Karnaphuli tunnel

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (November 26, 2022) said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under Karnaphuli river is the first such project in South Asia and is an astonishing infrastructure. “Bangladesh is now a changed country and none would be able to stop the ongoing progress and advancement of Bangladesh,” she said. The prime minister said this while joining an event marking the end to general work of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel’s south tube which goes beneath the river Karnaphuli. She officially announced completion of the tunnel’s south side. Read more: ‘Some in opposition parties don’t see development by AL govt, they should have their eyes checked’ The PM joined the event, organised by the Bridges Division in Chattogram, virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. The prime minister said that after inauguration of the Karnaphuli Tunnel next month, road communication between Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram, Dhaka would be much easier and faster. Besides, country’s economy will get momentum and tourism, economic activities, trade and commerce in the entire Chattogram region will be further expanded and strengthened, she added. Read more: PM officially announces completion of Karnaphuli Tunnel’s south side Karnaphuli Tunnel has been constructed to develop Chattogram city like Shanghai of China following the “One City, Two Towns” model, she said. The PM said that the new town at Anwara Upazila, end of Karnaphuli Tunnel will be developed in a planned manner to this end, while steps have been taken to connect Cox’s Bazar with Dhaka and Chattogram through rail link. Referring to development of the region, Sheikh Hasina said, Chattogram is a crucial commercial city of Bangladesh and her government has been implementing major programmes for its development. Read More: PM to join Karnaphuli Tunnel event Saturday In this regard, PM Hasina mentioned that steps were taken to develop the port city Chattogram with new structures and it will help strengthen the economy of Bangladesh significantly.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (November 26, 2022) joined an event marking an end to the general work of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel’s south tube, which goes beneath the river Karnaphuli in Chattogram. She also officially announced completion of the tunnel’s south side. The PM joined the event, organised by the Bridges Division, virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. Construction work of the Karnaphuli Tunnel’s southern end has been completed entirely, while 99 percent work of the tunnel’s northern end has been finished. This is the first under-river tunnel in South Asia, which is expected to contribute 0.166 percent in the national economy growth with boosting employment, tourism, and industrialisation. Karnaphuli Tunnel is expected to greatly improve the traffic situation in Chattogram. Read more: 2 tubes of Bangabandhu Tunnel likely to open this Oct, Nov: Quader According to project sources, two 5.35km approach roads are being constructed on the eastern and western sides of the tunnel. The length of the tunnel is 3.32km, and it is being constructed at a depth of 18 to 31 metres under the Karnaphuli river. According to officials, as of now, the overall progress of the project is 94 percent. It’ll take two more months to complete the rest of the work. Karnaphuli Tunnel is being built at a cost of Tk 10,374 crore. 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. Read More: PM Hasina foresees no crisis in consumer goods 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 are also being installed so that rising water level during monsoon and natural disasters do not block the tunnel, said project officials. The project is being implemented by Bangladesh Bridges Authority (BBA). Two tubes adjoining the tunnel have been built under the Karnaphuli river. Lights, pumps and drainage systems are being installed in the tunnel simultaneously while A 772m flyover has also been built. At present, the construction of a toll plaza at the tunnel’s Anwara end is going on in full swing. Read More: PM reaches Jashore, speaks at President Parade in BAF Academy

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel has witnessed a significant progress as the construction companies termed it a "breakthrough". “With the cutter of the tunnel boring machine cutting through the wall, China Communications Construction Company Limited, the EPC Contractor, and China Road and Bridge Corporation, the Constructor, "successfully achieved breakthrough" of both tubes of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, making the remarkable progress of the first overseas large-diameter underwater TBM tunnel undertaken by Chinese company,” said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. Located at the river mouth in Chattogram, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel project is 9.3km long, in which the length of the tunnel shield section is 2450m while the tunnel outer diameter is 11.8m. With a diameter of 12.12 meters and a weight of 2200 tons, the CCCC self-developed and manufactured large-diameter slurry pressure balanced tunnel boring machine is used for construction of the project. Read: Tunnel under Jamuna: Feasibility study underway