Govt plans to build country's 1st cable-stayed bridge over Karnaphuli river
RANGAMATI, March 30, 2026 (BSS) - The Roads and Highways Department has
undertaken an initiative to construct Bangladesh's first cable-stayed bridge
over the Karnaphuli River at the Chandraghona-Raikhali Ferry Ghat.
The proposed bridge will connect Kaptai upazila of Rangamati district with
Rangunia upazila, significantly improving regional connectivity. The total
estimated cost of the project is Taka 165,871.86 lakh.
Confirming the development, Sabuj Chakma, executive engineer of the Roads and
Highways Department in Rangamati, said the final design has already been
completed and the Development Project Proposal (DPP) has been submitted to
the authorities concerned.
A project verification committee meeting held on March 9, 2026, under the
chairmanship of the Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary, approved
the plan to construct the cable-stayed bridge at Chandraghona Ferry Ghat.
According to project details, the main bridge will be 532 meters long. In
addition, a 455-meter viaduct and a 511-meter elevated road will be built to
ensure smooth connectivity.
The construction cost for the main bridge and viaduct is estimated at Taka
86,850.16 lakh while additional infrastructure costs--including the elevated
connecting road--are projected at Taka 24,200.20 lakh.
Officials said the project will move forward once it receives approval from
the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by
the Prime Minister. If approved, construction is expected to begin on July 1,
2026, and be completed by June 30, 2031.
Kirti Nishan Chakma, Deputy Assistant Engineer of the Roads and Highways
Department in Rangamati, said the project aims to establish a safe,
efficient, and uninterrupted road network linking Rangamati and Bandarban
districts.
The bridge will replace the existing ferry system along the Rangamati-Ghagra-
Bangalhalia-Bandarban Regional Highway, reducing travel time and
transportation costs.
He also emphasized that the development will boost tourism in the scenic hill
districts of Rangamati and Bandarban, while ensuring a more reliable system
for transporting goods and vehicles.
Former Kaptai Upazila Parishad Chairman Dildar Hossain described the bridge
as a long-cherished dream of the local people, expressing optimism that its
construction will significantly improve the socio-economic conditions of the
region.
