CHATTOGRAM, Oct 02: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate three megaprojects as well as two roads in Chattogram on October 28.
The three development projects, whose works have almost been completed, include the country's first-ever river tunnel Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel; the first elevated expressway of the port city from Lalkhan Bazar to Shah Amanat International Airport and the Chattogram-Dohazari-Cox's Bazar-Gumdhum (CDCG) rail line.
The two roads the premier will open to traffic on the same day are: Bakalia Access Road and Fouzderhat-Baizid Link Road, whose works have also been finished by this time.
Of the three fast-track projects, the elevated expressway in the port city has witnessed completion of 80 per cent of its work.
One portion of the elevated expressway will be opened for traffic now to facilitate the use of Bangabandhu Tunnel, constructed under the Karnaphuli River, after its inauguration.
Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the mega project, first of its kind in Chattogram, in July 2017.
The project involving Tk3,250.84 crore is being implemented with the government fund.
Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) is implementing the project aiming to develop smooth communication between the port city and Chattogram district's southern upazilas, reducing distance and expense for the commuters and easing movement to and from the Chittagong port and Shah Amanat International Airport.
The trial run of train on the Ctg-Dohazari-Cox's Bazar route will begin on October 15 and most of the construction work of the project has been completed.
Project Director of the CDCG train route project Mohammad Mofizur Rahman said, "Over 90 per cent of the construction work of the project has been completed, and the remaining work will be finished soon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to inaugurate the project in the current month."
Project Director Harunur Rashid said construction work of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel has entirely been completed.
"We are checking the safety system now. The government has taken decision to inaugurate the tunnel under the Karnaphuli River on October 28," he added.
Baizid Link Road, the first toll road of Chattogram which also awaits inauguration on the same day, has been named after Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib.
Besides, work of Bakalia Access Road, which is named after Jane Alam Dubash, has already been completed.
Talking with the Financial Express, Chairman of CDA M Zahirul Alam Dubash said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will grace the auspicious occasion of inauguration of the three mega projects and roads in Chattogram through her presence."
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