Karnaphuli Bridge to usher in trade, investment prospects
The newly-built Shah Amanat Bridge over the river Karnaphuli would usher in prospects in trade and industrialisation of the economically potential southern part of greater Chittagong linking the region with the country's main land.
The bridge, long-felt demand of nearly 7.5 million (75 lakh) people of adjacent three districts is no more a mere dream as it is scheduled to open to traffic ceremonially by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday just a couple of days ahead of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.
Opening of the bridge to traffic will permanently link southern Chittagong with the country's main part, ease sufferings of the commuters of both sides of the river Karnaphuli.
The local people said the bridge would create opportunities for easy transportation of exportable goods including shrimps, dry fish, salt and vegetables from the region to other parts of the country.
In separate reactions to the news agency some locals, however, expressed a bit of dismay over non-completion of the approach roads before its formal opening to traffic.
Bangladesh government and Kuwait government under the banner of "Kuwait Fund" jointly financed the bridge project worth Tk 5.90 billion (590 crore) in which share of Kuwait Fund is Tk 3.72 billion (372 crore).
Ruling party lawmaker Akhteruzzaman Chowdhury, who is also the President of Chittagong South District Awami League, said the bridge, with construction of the proposed regional highway, would lessen 45-kilometre distance from the existing 158-kilometre Chittagong-Cox's Bazar road.
The bridge would save both money and time of the tourists from home and abroad while visiting a dozen of eye-catching tourist spots including the world's longest Cox's Bazar sea beach, lone coral island Saint Martin, Chimbuk Hill, Dulahazara Bangabandhu Safari Park, Banskhali Eco Park and Anwara Parki Beach, said a number of tourist guides.
Talking to the news agency, Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber and Commerce President Abdus Salam said the Karnaphuli Bridge is a long cherished demand of the people of Chittagong, which was completed by the present government within the time frame.
The chamber president also stressed on proper dredging and administration of the river Karnaphuli for saving navigability of the port channel. City Planner Engineer Ali Asharf said there was a vast potentiality of the bridge but apparently its full advantages are not available as approach roads are not completed properly.
Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, First Vice President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer and Exporters Association (BGMEA) thanked the Prime Minister for her initiatives that include inauguration of four development projects in Chittagong at a time including long awaited Karnaphuli Bridge.
Shafiul Alam Badal, senior Vice President of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the newly constructed Karnaphuli bridge would open up a new era for trade and communications linking with the proposed Asian highway.
The chamber vice president urged the government to shift the existing worn out Shah Amanat Bridge with its 7-set concrete pillars for maintaining navigability of the river.
Nurul Alam, a leading businessman and a resident of Banskhali, said the essential Karnaphuli Bridge would open a new avenue for setting up another industrial belt in southern Chittagong.
Karnaphuli Bridge to usher in trade, investment prospects