Modern junction at Karnaphuli Tunnel mouth nears completion

Construction of the much-needed modern junction at the mouth of the Karnaphuli Tunnel has reached 94% progress after several deadline extensions and is expected to be completed by December this year.
Once completed, the project is expected to improve traffic flow to and from the airport, Patenga, and the tunnel, ensuring better utilisation of three major transport infrastructures in the port city.
According to Project Deputy Director and Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Executive Engineer Rajib Das, the project has now achieved 94% overall progress, while its previous deadline expired in December last year.
“We have sought an extension until December this year and expect to complete the remaining works within the revised timeframe,” he said.
He added that widening of two roads, along with construction of a roundabout and an underpass, has already been completed. Around 40% of the one-kilometre flyover work is currently progressing steadily.
Rajib Das further said the CEPZ connecting road, developed under the same project, has already been opened to traffic, easing movement of heavy vehicles from Airport Road, Patenga and Faujdarhat areas.
“The international-standard junction, featuring a one-way traffic system, will streamline vehicle movement at the tunnel mouth and improve transport efficiency for both goods carriers and commuters,” he added.
Despite the completion of three major infrastructure projects, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the 17-km Chattogram City Outer Ring Road (Faujdarhat to Patenga), and the 15.2-km Elevated Expressway (Lalkhan Bazar to Patenga), traffic congestion at the tunnel entrance remains a major concern. Vehicles from multiple routes converge at a single point, often causing severe bottlenecks.
The situation worsens during weekends and holidays when large numbers of tourists visit Patenga Sea Beach and nearby recreational areas.
Following criticism from experts over traffic management design flaws, the CDA undertook the junction project in 2023 as an extension of the Chattogram City Outer Ring Road Construction Project.
Launched in 2013 with an initial allocation of Tk856 crore, the Outer Ring Road project has undergone several revisions, raising its total cost to Tk3,324 crore. This includes Tk411 crore allocated for the modern junction and CEPZ connecting road.
Although the initial deadline expired in December 2024, CDA officials attributed delays to prolonged tender procedures, contractor appointments, design modifications, and disruptions caused by the July–August movement and subsequent political changes.
The three mega projects were implemented at a combined cost of Tk18,313 crore to ensure smoother traffic movement in and around Chattogram city. The Karnaphuli Tunnel was opened on 28 October 2023, followed by the Elevated Expressway on 14 November 2023, while the Outer Ring Road became operational in 2020.
Prior to their inauguration, experts had warned that traffic congestion could worsen at the tunnel mouth due to the convergence of vehicles from multiple major roads at a single intersection.
An 11-member committee, led by the then Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, was later formed to recommend solutions for safe and efficient traffic management. Following several meetings, the committee proposed construction of the junction and the CEPZ connecting road under the ongoing CDA project.