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Bangabandhu tunnel project likely to be modified

Construction work suspended following coronavirus outbreak


Published : 14 Mar 2020 10:27 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 12:43 PM

The construction work of ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel’ in Chattogram has been kept suspended due to short supply of construction materials from China due to impact of Coronavirus. The project was expected to be completed by December 2022. But, due to spread of coronavirus globally, essential construction materials are not being imported from China. As a result, there is doubt over timely completion of the project.

China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) is implementing the construction of this tunnel for the first time under the Karnaphuli River at a cost of Tk 9,000 crore. Due to the spread of the deadly virus, many of the company's members were unable to travel to China.  Even the most important equipment and construction materials cannot be brought from China.  

Senior Assistant Head of the Planning Commission Saiful Islam Mondal mentioned, China Communications Construction Company is building the tunnel of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  Many machinery and construction materials to be used for construction of the tunnel are being brought from China. But it is currently remained suspended for the Corona virus menace.  

Sources in the bridge department said, under "One City Two Town" Project, the Bangabandhu Tunnel is being constructed in Chattogram, the commercial capital of Bangladesh.  This type of development work is the first one in Bangladesh.  Construction of this 3.32 kilometre long tunnel began in November 2015 at a cost of k 9,880 crores.  Of cost, Chinese Exim Bank will provide Tk 5,913 crore as loan.