Karnaphuli Tunnel Operating Costs Double Daily Revenue Intake

Photo Collected

A+ A A-

The Karnaphuli Tunnel is currently operating at a significant financial deficit, with daily maintenance and operational costs doubling the revenue generated from tolls. Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Sheikh Rabiul Alam disclosed these figures during a session of the National Parliament in response to a written inquiry from Member of Parliament Md. Abul Hasnat.

According to the data provided to the assembly, the tunnel generates an average daily toll revenue of approximately 1.12 million taka, while operational and maintenance expenditures reach nearly 2.29 million taka. On a monthly basis, the tunnel records revenue of 33.65 million taka against expenses totaling 69.52 million taka.

The ministry attributed these high costs to the essential requirements of maintaining a large-scale underwater infrastructure, including round-the-clock electricity, lighting, ventilation, fire safety protocols, and comprehensive CCTV and traffic management systems. Minister Alam noted that initial daily operating costs were as high as 3.7 million taka, but government austerity measures and stricter management by the Bridge Authority have successfully reduced that figure to the current level of approximately 2.2 to 2.3 million taka per day. The government is currently evaluating further strategies to improve the financial viability of the tunnel.

Legal Immunity for Presidents Limited to Tenure, Official Clarifies

Read More

Addressing separate concerns regarding road safety, Minister Alam announced that the government is initiating a mandate for the installation of GPS tracking devices in all public transport vehicles. This initiative is designed to monitor vehicle speed and compliance, allowing authorities to take legal action against drivers and owners who exceed designated speed limits or fail to adhere to road safety regulations.