Photo: BSS

 
CHATTOGRAM, Nov 18, 2025 (BSS)- The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) 
has initiated to develop a new tourist zone stretching five-kilometer of west 
bank of the Karnaphuli river.
 
The proposed tourist zone titled "Karnaphuli Riverview Park" attached to the 
port city's Bakalia area and core goal of the project is to turn the 
picturesque riverside newly-constructed road area into an attractive tourist 
destination.
 
This tourist spot will be developed as part of the ongoing project titled 
"Construction of 8.5-km Road on the bank of river Karnaphuli from Kalurghat 
Bridge to Chaktai Khal," according to CDA officials.

The officials said the new tourist site will be developed as similar to the 
attractive Patenga Sea Beach Zone which is also located on the banks of both 
Bay of Bengal and port estuary Point of Karnaphuli River. 

Bakalia-- one of the oldest and single largest heavily population density 
area of the Chattogram metropolitan city-- is currently one of the less 
developed area for a long time. Keeping in mind the fact, urban planners 
believe implementing such a project could contribute largely improve the 
living standards of its inhabitants apart from the possibility of turning the 
place into the biggest residential zone of the city. 

The road and embankment project evolving Taka 3,324.15 crore aims to protect 
the city from tidal surges and improve communication infrastructure. 

Of the total project cost, around Taka 22 crore has been allocated for 
development of the tourist facility. 

Engineer Rajib Das, project director of the 8.5 kilometer road scheme being 
constructed on Karnaphuli river bank from Shah Amanat bridge point to 
Kalurghat, told BSS that they received approval for developing a tourist spot 
approximately five months back.
 
He explained that a five-kilometer walkway will be built from Shah Amanat 
Bridge to Bolirhat along with setting up a modern restaurant enriched with 
entertainment facilities for children.
 
"If the proposed tourist zone along with road infrastructure is developed, 
overall socio-economic conditions of people of the area will improved 
significantly change," said Abdul Barik, a local resident in Hamid Char area.
Chattogram and its surrounding upazilas offer a range of attractions for 
tourists, such as stunning sea views, hills, mangrove forests, waterfalls, 
and lakes. 

Unfortunately, due to the lack of attention from government agencies, many 
potential tourist spots remain undeveloped.
 
According to sources in the CDA town planner office, the authority is also 
giving priority to protect the important river from pollution and 
encroachment.

Keeping in mind the issue, CDA is considering to develop eco-friendly tourist 
sites in the potential places to expand the number of tourist destinations in 
and outside the city.
 
Saidur Rahman, a tour operator in Chakbazar area, suggested that if the 
government is unable to develop potential tourist sites, it could consider 
involvement of private entrepreneurs for expansion of tourism industry in the 
country either on long-term leasing arrangement or joint venture basis.
 
According to CDA the project was approved during a meeting of the Executive 
Committee of the National Economic Council on April 25, 2017.

Construction work on the project began in June 2019 with the construction of 
a sluice gate at the estuary of the Chaktai Canal.

The CDA is currently working on constructing an 8.55-kilometre road and 
embankment, as well as 12 regulators at the Chaktai Canal mouth that meet to 
Karnaphuli River to prevent waterlogging and reduce traffic congestion in the 
city.