The Karnaphuli Tunnel, also known as the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel or Bangabandhu Tunnel in short. This is the first under-river road tunnel in South Asia, and it is a modern and efficient infrastructure that will transform the port city of Chattogram and the country.
The Karnaphuli Tunnel is a 3.4 km long, twin underwater road tunnel that connects the north and south sides of the Karnaphuli River, from Chattogram Port to Anwara Upazila. The tunnel has a 10.6 m internal diameter and a minimum clearance to the riverbed of 31 m. The tunnel will have two ventilation buildings, one on each side of the river, to ensure fresh air supply and exhaust gas removal.
The Karnaphuli Tunnel is a landmark project in Bangladesh, as it showcases its engineering and technological capabilities. The project was initiated in 2012 by the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA), with the support of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) as the main contractor and SMEC as the design consultant. The project is expected to cost $1.1 billion, of which around half is financed by the Exim Bank of China. The project is expected to be completed by 2023.
The Karnaphuli Tunnel will have many benefits for Chattogram and Bangladesh, such as:
Reducing traffic congestion and travel time: The tunnel will reduce the travel time between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, a popular tourist destination, from four hours to two hours. It will also reduce the travel time between Chattogram Port and Anwara Upazila from one hour to 15 minutes. The tunnel will ease the traffic flow and improve the connectivity in the city and beyond.
Boosting economic and social development: The tunnel will facilitate trade, tourism, and investment in Chattogram and its surrounding areas. It will also create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life and environment for the people. The tunnel will also contribute to the Asian Highway Network, a regional road network that connects 32 countries in Asia and Europe.
Enhancing national pride and security: The tunnel will be a symbol of national pride and achievement for Bangladesh, as it is named after the founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It will also enhance national security by providing an alternative route for military and emergency vehicles.
The construction of the Karnaphuli Tunnel is progressing at a steady pace, despite some challenges and delays. The construction is divided into four packages: Package 1 from Chattogram Port to Patenga (2.5 km), Package 2 from Patenga to Anwara (4 km), Package 3 from Anwara to Kalurghat (2 km), and Package 4 for the tunnel boring machine (TBM) launching shafts (0.9 km). The construction of Package 1 started in 2017 and was completed in 2020. The construction of Package 2 started in 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2021. The construction of Package 3 started in 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2022. The construction of Package 4 started in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2021.
The TBM used for excavating the tunnel is manufactured by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd (CREG). It is one of the largest TBMs in Asia, with a diameter of 12.12 m and a length of 275 m. It can excavate about 10 m per day, with an average speed of 0.42 m per hour. It can also withstand water pressure up to 15 bar.
The TBM was launched on February 24, 2019 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who inaugurated the tunnel boring phase. The TBM completed its first breakthrough on June 11, 2020, after excavating 1.66 km for the left line of the tunnel. The TBM then completed its second breakthrough on July
The construction of Package 4 started in 2016 and is expected to be completed by 2021.
The TBM was launched on February 24, 2019 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who inaugurated the tunnel boring phase. The TBM completed its first breakthrough on June 11, 2020, after excavating 1.66 km for the left line of the tunnel. The TBM then completed its second breakthrough on July 12, 2020, after excavating another 1.66 km for the right line of the tunnel. The TBM then completed its third and final breakthrough on October 5, 2020, after excavating the remaining 0.12 km for the connection between the two lines. The TBM has thus completed the excavation of the entire tunnel, which is a remarkable achievement and a milestone for the project.
The next phase of the project is to install the concrete lining and the electromechanical systems inside the tunnel. The concrete lining will provide structural support and waterproofing for the tunnel. The electromechanical systems will include ventilation, lighting, fire detection and suppression, communication, surveillance, traffic control, etc. The installation of these systems is expected to take about two years, and will be done by CCCC and its subcontractors.
The Karnaphuli Tunnel is expected to be operational by 2023, after undergoing rigorous testing and commissioning. The tunnel will have a toll fee for using it, which will be determined by the BBA and the government. The tunnel will also have a maintenance and operation contract with CCCC for a period of five years, after which it will be handed over to the BBA.
The Karnaphuli Tunnel is a landmark project in Bangladesh that will have a positive impact on the city of Chattogram and the country as a whole. It will reduce traffic congestion and travel time, boost economic and social development, and enhance national pride and security. It will also be a tourist attraction for visitors who want to experience a unique and modern infrastructure in Bangladesh.
If you are interested in learning more about the Karnaphuli Tunnel, you can visit the following websites:
- [Bangladesh Bridge Authority]: This is the official website of the BBA, which is the implementing agency of the project. You can find information about the project background, objectives, features, progress, partners, etc.
- [China Communications Construction Company]: This is the official website of CCCC, which is the main contractor of the project. You can find information about the company profile, services, projects, news, etc.
- [SMEC]: This is the official website of SMEC, which is the design consultant of the project. You can find information about the company profile, services,
This is the conclusion of the article based on the web search results:
The Karnaphuli Tunnel is a landmark project in Bangladesh that will have a positive impact on the city of Chattogram and the country as a whole. It will reduce traffic congestion and travel time, boost economic and social development, and enhance national pride and security. It will also be a tourist attraction for visitors who want to experience a unique and modern infrastructure in Bangladesh.
The project is expected to be completed by 2023, after undergoing rigorous testing and commissioning. The project is a testament to the vision and commitment of the government and its partners, who have overcome various challenges and obstacles to make it a reality. The project is also a symbol of the friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and China, who have jointly contributed to the development of the region.
If you are interested in learning more about the Karnaphuli Tunnel, you can visit the official websites of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, China Communications Construction Company, and SMEC. You can also watch some videos of the tunnel construction and operation on YouTube . You can also follow the latest news and updates on the project on Facebook or Twitter.
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