Approval of Kalurghat Bridge in ECNEC fulfills longstanding demand for Ctg people
Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram
The long-awaited dream of the people of Chattogram is about to be realized. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the the project for constructing a rail-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River yesterday.
This project, known as the Kalurghat Bridge replacement project, has been a long-standing necessity for improving communication and economic development in the region.
In the ECNEC meeting held on Monday (October 7), a total of four projects worth BDT 24,413 crore were approved. Out of them, the Kalurghat Bridge project is a significant one. Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser on Planning and Education, stated that the projects would be funded through both government and foreign financing. Of the total amount, BDT 7,746.66 crore will be allocated by the government, while foreign loans and grants will provide BDT 16,012.33 crore. An additional BDT 653.95 crore will come from the organization's own funds.
The original Kalurghat Bridge was constructed in 1930 and was initially used for rail traffic. Later, it was also adapted for road transportation. However, due to its single-lane design and the aging structure, the bridge has become a significant bottleneck for commuting and commercial activities in Chittagong.
With the construction of the new rail-cum-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River, the connectivity between Chattogram city, southern Chattogram and surrounding areas will be greatly enhanced, ushering in a new era of economic activity.
