Chattogram's mega structures: It's time to reap benefits

Infograph: TBS

Bangladesh has undertaken a series of ambitious infrastructure projects in Chattogram, with the government investing over Tk40,000 crore in four mega projects. While these projects were expected to transform connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and mitigate waterlogging, their benefits remain largely unrealised.

The Karnaphuli Tunnel, Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Rail Line, the Chattogram Elevated Expressway, and multiple waterlogging relief projects have faced significant challenges since their completion. 

Experts argue that poor planning, inadequate feasibility studies, and delays in supporting infrastructure have undermined their effectiveness. Unless immediate steps are taken to optimise their use, these costly projects risk becoming financial burdens rather than economic catalysts.

Karnaphuli Tunnel: A costly gamble?

The Karnaphuli Tunnel, often hailed as a milestone for Bangladesh's infrastructure development, was envisioned under the "One City, Two Towns" concept to enhance connectivity between Chattogram and the southern coastal region. Built at a cost of Tk10,690 crore through a mix of Chinese loans and government funds, the tunnel was inaugurated in October 2023 with high expectations.

However, the anticipated economic boom in Anwara and other coastal areas has yet to materialise. The tunnel's traffic volumes remain far below projections, with only 4,000 vehicles using it daily, generating Tk10.50 lakh in toll revenue. Meanwhile, daily operational costs stand at Tk37.50 lakh, resulting in a staggering daily loss of Tk27 lakh. Over the course of 418 days since its opening, cumulative losses have reached Tk112 crore as of January 2025.

Experts emphasise that without industrial and commercial expansion in Anwara, the tunnel's potential cannot be fully realised. If current trends continue, it may take over a decade for the project to become financially sustainable.

Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Rail Line: Unrealised potential

The Dohazari-Cox's Bazar Rail Line, built at a cost of Tk15,000 crore, was launched with great optimism. The Cox's Bazar Express began operations on 1 December 2023, followed by the Tourist Express on 10 January 2024. Despite these additions, the railway has yet to meet its projected 24 daily trips, and revenue targets remain unfulfilled.

While two trains currently operate on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route, the lack of a direct link from Chattogram has frustrated locals, who are urging authorities to expand train services. To address this issue, a bypass railway line from Fauzdarhat to Sholshahar is being planned, but it will take at least two years to complete.

Additionally, in October 2024, the interim government approved a rail-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Tk11,560.77 crore, slated for completion by December 2030. However, until critical supporting infrastructure is developed, the full benefits of Cox's Bazar's rail connectivity will remain untapped.

Local leaders and experts, including Advocate Akhtar Kabir Chowdhury, President of the Chattogram chapter of the Conscious Citizens' Committee (SAC), have raised concerns over mismanagement, lack of foresight, and prioritisation of financial interests over public welfare. They argue that without careful planning, these costly projects may fail to deliver meaningful benefits.

Waterlogging Mitigation: An Ongoing Struggle

Chattogram's persistent waterlogging crisis has led to multiple costly interventions. The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), and Water Development Board are jointly implementing projects worth Tk14,387 crore to tackle the issue. 

Key initiatives include canal re-excavation, expansion, and renovation (Tk9,526 crore), Kalurghat to Chaktai Canal embankment road (Tk2,746 crore); Excavation of the Baraipara Canal from Bahaddarhat to the Karnaphuli River (Tk1,362 crore); Flood control and waterlogging alleviation project (Tk1,620 crore). 

Despite these efforts, flooding remains a recurring issue during the monsoon season. Delays in execution, inadequate drainage capacity, and unplanned urbanisation continue to exacerbate the problem. Without a coordinated long-term approach, these projects risk failing to provide the intended relief.

Elevated Expressway: A half-completed solution?

The Shaheed Wasim Akram Flyover, a 15-kilometre-long elevated expressway, was built at a cost of Tk4,299 crore to ease congestion in Chattogram. Inaugurated in November 2023, trial traffic began in August 2024, and toll collection started in January 2025.

Originally, the project included 15 ramps to connect key areas like Agrabad, Tiger Pass, Nimtala, CEPZ, KEPZ, GEC intersection, Fakirhat, and Cement Crossing. However, in October 2024, the CDA board suspended the construction of six ramps to cut costs and reduce congestion risks.

Experts, including Professor Mahmud Omar Imam from CUET, criticised the decision, warning that the absence of ramps at strategic locations—such as the GEC intersection—would force residents to take longer routes, reducing the project's overall effectiveness. Project Director Mahfuzur Rahman has stated that the ramps could be built later if necessary, but critics fear that scaling back the project will undermine its benefits.