A major road development initiative worth an estimated Tk 8,556 crore has been planned to improve the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway, reduce traffic congestion and make journeys to the country’s premier tourist destination faster and easier.
The proposals include upgrading key sections of the highway to four to six lanes, building four bypasses, and constructing a flyover at Keranihat in Satkania. The proposed flyover would be about 3.5 kilometres long.
The initiative has drawn renewed attention after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced at a public meeting in Chakaria during his visit to Cox’s Bazar that the highway would be upgraded to four to six lanes.
Project-related information from the Roads and Highways Department identifies Patiya, Dohazari, Lohagara and Chakaria as the proposed locations for four bypasses. A flyover is planned at Keranihat, a major traffic bottleneck in Satkania.
The proposed infrastructure is expected to help vehicles avoid congested markets and densely populated areas. It could also reduce delays, improve road safety, and speed up goods movement.
The development is considered increasingly important as economic activities at Matarbari deep-sea port and the Maheshkhali economic zone expand, potentially increasing freight traffic along the route.
Earlier project information put the estimated cost of the four bypasses and the flyover at around Tk 8,556 crore, with funding expected from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the government. The report says detailed design and implementation are advancing.
The proposed improvements could reduce the journey from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar to around six to seven hours and shorten the travel distance by nearly 50 kilometres. However, these remain projected benefits, not confirmed outcomes.
ANM Helal Uddin, president of the Cox’s Bazar Citizens’ Forum, said the improvements could benefit tourism, freight transport and the local economy.
He urged the authorities to implement the project swiftly, transparently, and accountably, giving priority to the public interest.
Dhaka-based tourist Rocky Abedin said a better road would reduce travel time and discomfort to Cox’s Bazar, allowing families to enjoy their holidays more easily.
Resident Jahangir Alam said highway congestion affected everyday travel and business. He stressed that the authorities should ensure local people’s safety and mobility during construction.
Residents, passengers and civic-minded citizens have long called for widening the highway and building bypasses and flyovers at key points. If implemented, the proposed upgrades could improve regional connectivity and support tourism and commerce.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
