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The long-awaited Kalurghat-Chaktai four-lane Marine Drive in Chattogram is likely to open to all vehicles by December, as construction of the 9.5-kilometre project nears completion.
The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) says about 92% of the Tk 2,275-crore project has been completed, with the remaining work expected to be finished by December.
Project Director Engineer Rajib Das said the road, being built along the western bank of the Karnaphuli River, is progressing as planned. Nearly 10 kilometres of the stretch has been completed, while the CDA recently acquired around two kilometres of land between the Kalurghat Industrial Area and the Railway Bridge.
The remaining acquisition of about 100 metres of land near the Kalurghat Bridge is expected to be completed within the deadline. Compensation has already been paid to the affected landowners, according to the project director.
A four-kilometre riverside walkway from Kalpolok in Chaktai to Bolirhat has already been completed.
The CDA is also planning a five-kilometre tourist zone along the Karnaphuli riverbank in Bakalia. The proposed development includes a walkway stretching from Shah Amanat Bridge to Bolirhat, along with a restaurant and children’s entertainment facilities.
The four-lane embankment road will be 80 feet wide and stand 24.5 feet above sea level. The project is being implemented under JBIC guidelines and in line with the 1995 Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan.
To strengthen drainage capacity, 12 high-tide protection regulators and pump houses have been installed at canal outlets to ensure faster discharge of rainwater.
The project began in June 2019 with the construction of a sluice gate at the Chaktai Canal estuary. Its completion deadline was later extended by one year, with June 2026 set as the revised target.
