The future of the proposed multilane underground tunnel from the capital’s Jahangir Gate to Rokeya Sarani is facing uncertainty due to fund shortages, route design and inefficiency of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.
Earlier, the government decided to construct a multilane underground tunnel, approximately 1.5 kilometres long, from Jahangir Gate to Rokeya Sarani in a bid to cut down traffic congestion and improve living standards of city dwellers. The tunnel was proposed to be built under the Tejgaon Old Airport road.
High officials of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority have failed to announce the start of the tunnel’s construction work as most of the groundwork required for the project has not been completed over the last two years.
When contacted, Bangladesh Bridge Authority Chief Engineer Kabir Ahmed confirmed the Dhaka Tribune that the project was active. He, however, referred the correspondent to Executive Engineer Md Golam Mortuja to know about the progress of the project.
“We cannot give you any deadline on the tunnel’s competition as it depends upon the government’s decision and the availability of sufficient funds,” Golam Mortuja said.
Saying the project would cost around Tk500 crore, Mortuja also noted: “As soon as we send the proposal to the ministry for the approval of the pro forma development project.”
Sources said the project was deferred several times due to objections from the Defence Ministry. Later, the Bridge authority was forced to change the course of the tunnel and set a new route between the two points.
When asked, Mortuja refuted the claim and said the length of the tunnel was cut short due to a shortage in funds.
“We discussed the issue with the Army, and they have no objection over the tunnel,” he added.
