The construction of the new interchange at Patenga, a vital link intersecting three major infrastructure projects and two key access points, is set to be completed by June next year, according to Kazi Hasan Bin Shams, Chief Engineer of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA).
The interchange aims to streamline traffic flow at the convergence of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the 16.5 km-long Elevated Expressway and the 15.2 km-long Coastal Road and Embankment Strengthening Project, also known as the Chattogram Outer Ring Road (CORR) Project. Additionally, the project covers the Shah Amanat International Airport access road and Patenga Sea Beach route.
This interchange is crucial for managing the increasing volume of vehicles expected to pass through the Karnaphuli Tunnel, which opened in October 2023. As a part of the CORR initiative, the interchange will help ease the congestion anticipated due to the high traffic demand on these essential routes. The project cost for the interchange is estimated to exceed Tk 6 billion. CDA Chief Engineer Hasan Bin Shams noted that the revised design will reduce the estimated expenditure by Tk 1 billion.
"With the completion of this interchange, we expect a substantial increase in traffic flow through the tunnel," said Hasan Bin Shams. "However, enhanced road infrastructure at the Anwara end is essential to support the increased vehicular movement," he added.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a Revised Development Project Proposal (RDPP) for Tk 6.48 billion in June of the previous year.
This revision addresses the construction needs for the interchange at Patenga, which is now recognised as one of the most critical structural requirements for the efficient operation of the Karnaphuli Tunnel. Without this interchange, merging traffic from five major roads at a single point in Patenga would create severe congestion, likely disrupting local transit and limiting the tunnel's functionality.
Since its opening, the Karnaphuli Tunnel has faced operational challenges. Tunnel experts initially predicted a daily flow of over 18,000 vehicles within the first year, yet current figures indicate an average of only 3,910 vehicles per day. This shortfall is mirrored in toll collection, with daily revenue averaging Tk 1.1 million-far short of the maintenance cost, which stands at approximately Tk 3.75 million. Consequently, the tunnel's earnings are currently less than one-third of what is needed to cover operational expenses.
