Today’s inauguration of the Bangabandhu Tunnel by the prime minister carries high expectations, with experts and locals anticipating that it will transform Chattogram into a city similar to Shanghai and stimulate industrial development in the port city. This river tunnel, constructed in accordance with China’s “one city – two towns” concept, passes beneath the Karnaphuli river and connects Patenga in the port city to Anwara upazila on the opposite bank.

On both sides of the river, robust economic activity and industrialization have already begun, facilitating the symmetrical inauguration of the tunnel. The tunnel is also the first river tunnel in South Asia. The tunnel is also anticipated to play a crucial role in the expansion of the tourism industry in Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram Hill Tracts. The tunnel was constructed between 18 and 31 meters beneath the river. The length of the main tunnel is 3.32 kilometers, while the length of each of the two channels with four lanes is 2.45 kilometers. In addition, there is a 5.35-kilometer connecting road at the west and east extremities of the main tunnel, as well as a 727-meter overpass at the Anwara end.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/pm-inaugurates-bangabandhu-tunnel-3454941?amp=