CHATTOGRAM, June 27: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is expected to submit the final feasibility study report in July for the proposed six-lane upgrade of Chattogram�"Cox’s Bazar Highway, a key infrastructure project aimed at easing growing traffic pressure linked to Karnaphuli Tunnel and expanding regional trade connectivity.
Officials at the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) said JICA, which has expressed interest in financing the project since 2023, is currently reviewing the Development Project Proposal (DPP). Final approval from the agency is required before implementation begins.
The 132-kilometre (km) highway is planned for a major upgrade, with 25km to include flyovers and bypasses, while the remaining 107km will be expanded to six lanes. The project is estimated to cost around Tk 18,000 crore.
According to RHD Superintending Engineer M. Jahed Hossain in Chattogram zone, the government submitted the DPP to JICA for review two years ago. But the progress has been slow, and formal agreement on financing is still pending.
Officials said the existing two-lane highway is under severe strain due to increased traffic following the opening of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, resulting in frequent congestion and safety concerns.
Under the proposed plan, the upgraded corridor will include 26 girder bridges and 172 culverts. The route will run from the Shikalbaha Y-junction through Patiya to Cox’s Bazar, forming a critical link with Matarbari deep-sea port, Teknaf land port, and major industrial zones including the Korean EPZ and the China Economic Zone.
Several bridge projects along the corridor have already been completed, including Indrapul, Barumati, Sangu, and Matamuhuri bridges, constructed under a cross-border road network improvement initiative.
The government also plans phased construction. About 26.2km have been approved under the first phase of the Highway Improvement Project, targeted for completion by 2029, alongside a 2.66-km six-lane flyover.
In parallel, widening works are ongoing in Satkania and Lohagara upazilas under multiple contract packages led by MAH Construction. Sections of the road are being expanded from 21 feet to 34 feet, with additional widening at sharp bends to improve safety. A 900-metre stretch in Chunati Jangalia is also being upgraded to four lanes with a central divider.
Authorities say the project is intended to transform the corridor into a high-capacity economic artery aligned with the development of the Matarbari deep-sea port.
