Govt plans to build country's 1st cable-stayed bridge over Karnaphuli River

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 Tk165,871.86 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 9 March 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 TK86,850.16 lakh while additional infrastructure costs, including the elevated connecting road, are projected at Tk24,200.20 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 1 July 2026, and be completed by 30 June 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.