Several projects worth about tk 20,000 crore have been implemented for the development of the road-transportation system of Chattogram city and its surrounding areas, which has brought about a radical change in the south-eastern corner of the country along with the city and saving the working hours of lakhs of people, reducing the cost of transport and speeding up traffic.
10 years ago, it used to take 4-5 hours to reach Mirsharai Upazila, which is 40 km away from Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport. After the construction of Patenga Faujdarhat Outer Ring Road at a cost of tk 3000 crores, passengers now need only 1 hour to travel to the airport. Due to the use of that road, passengers can travel outside the city without entering main city.
Faujdarhat Bayjid Link Road has become another important road like this link road. Earlier to go from Dhaka to Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar it took 2-3 hours extra time to cross Chattogram city. But now the city can be crossed in just 30 minutes after this road built at a cost of Tk 320 crore in 2020. Passengers going to Sitakunda, Mirsharai, Feni, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chandpur from the city are also benefiting from this road.
In the last decade, about tk 20,000 crore worth projects have been implemented for the development of road-transportation system in Chattogram city and surrounding areas. There has been a radical change in the city because of those.
The pressure on the city's roads has been reduced due to the use of Patenga-Foujdarhat and Faujdarhat-Bayjid roads by many heavy vehicles going to Dhaka-Chattogram highway from Chattogram port and Kalurghat industrial area.
Those concerned said that after the completion of Dhaka-Chattogram four-lane road, the road communication in the region has started to change. After unloading the goods from Chattogram port, they go to the factory quickly. It also takes less time to take the export goods from the factory to the port. Saving people’s time and money.
Mr. Mahbubul Alam, president of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce Industry (CCCI) told Bangladesh Pratidin, “There is no denying the positive changes that have come in road-transportation in the last Decade.”
“Getting to and from the airport is now easier than ever for passengers. However, the expressway work needs to be completed quickly,” he added.
Meanwhile, the construction of Bangabandhu Tunnel at a cost of tk 11,000 crore is almost completed.
Already, the scenario of the entire area including Anwara-Karnaphuli in South Chattogram has started to change. Industrial owners are buying land for new industries there. China Economic Zone is in progress at Anwara. Various financial and industrial institutions including banks are looking for investment opportunities.
AJM Nasir Uddin, general secretary of Chittagong Metropolitan Awami League and former mayor of Chittagong City Corporation told Bangladesh Pratidin, “This change started after 2008. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina promised to transform Chattogram. Development of road-transportation system is the fruit of her commitment.”
“She is sanctioning more projects to transform it into a true commercial city. If the ongoing projects are implemented, there will be a visible change in the face of Chattogram. The change that has taken place was once unimaginable,” he said.
Engr Delwar Majumder, former chairman of the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh, Chittagong Centre told Bangladesh Pratidin, “The roads that are being built according to the master plan are getting benefits. There are many alternative roads to get in and out of the city. The bridge over the railway line on Bayazid Link Road needs to be completed soon.”
“If the road connecting the banks of the Karnaphuli river can be completed, the people of Cox's Bazar and south Chattogram people will be able to get on the roads of Dhaka without entering the city,” he added.
@The report was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on February 02 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan
