A total of 12 sluice gates have been constructed from Chaktai to Kalurghat on the bank of Karnaphuly River in Chattogram. As a result, there was no water logging in the Chaktai-Khatunganj area during the last rainy season. On the other hand, the number of tourists has been increasing on the newly constructed road on the bank of the Karnaphuly River.
Once traffic movement starts on this road, it will reduce the pressure in the main port city. This road will also work as a city-safe embankment. Multidimensional advantages are found in this 8.5-kilometre-long road.
Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) is implementing the road from Chaktai to Kalurghat. The work progress of the project is 75 per cent. After the completion of the project, the scenario of Bakalia-Chandgaon-Mohora will be changed. City dwellers can travel to various areas including Chaktai and Khatunganj within a short time through this road. The road communication from the city’s north to south will be easier.
According to the project sources, the Chaktai-Kalurghat road has been constructed by filling soil adjacent to the Rajakhali, Balirhat, and Ishpahani canals. The carpeting work on the road has already been completed. Water regulator and pump house have been installed at Foyez canal and Noakhali canal under Balirhat, Kalpaluk area near Rajakhali canal. Authority has a plan to open this road to the public by December next.
CDA chairman Mohammad Yunus said multidimensional facilities are found on the Chaktai-Kalurghat road, constructed on the bank of Karnaphuly. The work is not completed yet. Despite this, a large number of visitors come daily to watch the beauty of the road and Karnaphuly River. This is the new entertaining spot in the city. At the same time, this road will act as a city embankment as it has been constructed at 30 feet height from the sea level.
Project director and CDA executive engineer Razib Das said around 75 per cent work has already been completed. The rest of the work will be completed by June next year. Currently, the work of installing road lights, passenger canopies, and walkways is underway besides beautification. This project will reduce traffic congestion, develop the living standard of the people residing on the bank of the Karnaphuly River, and play an important role in developing tourism and housing sectors.
The primary budget of the project was Tk 2,275.52 crore and the revised budget is Tk 2,779.39 crore.
A kilometres walkway, bus bay, footover bridge, passenger canopy, retaining wall and drain are being constructed under the project.
@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on July 13, 2024, and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.
