Second phase of marine drive to be completed before schedule

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COX'S BAZAR, Mar 16 (BSS): The second phase of the marine drive along the world's longest unbroken natural sea beach is expected to be completed next year, builders said, seeking quick release of necessary funds to expedite the construction of the 24 kilometre road between Inani and Silkhali before the 2012 deadline.
The marine drive, an 80 kilometre-long road along the sandy beach, has originally been conceptualised in 1993 involving Tk 1.17 billion (117 crore) to woo tourists from home and abroad through providing them a spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal on one side and lush green hills on the other.
Engineering Corps of Bangladesh Army built the first phase of 24 kilometre road between Cox's Bazar town and Inani, but it took nearly 17 years because of fund crunch and shift of responsibilities to Bangladesh Army to Roads and Highways Departments to Bangladesh Army finally.
"We are expecting completion of the second phase ahead of the schedule ending 2012," said an official at the construction site, adding the work was going on in full swing to start the third phase, which would be a 32 kilometre road between Silkhali and Teknaf.
"The opening of the total length of marine drive would usher in a new era of tourism in Bangladesh," opined Mohammad Mahbub Alam, consultant of Green Delta Limited.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nurul Azam Nizami said that the government had a plan to complete the marine drive in one phase, but the fund crunch compelled the government to complete it in three phases.