Smart Sensors Strengthen Subsea Safety: Karnaphuli Tunnel Tech Upgrade Underway

The overall progress of operation and maintenance activities of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, constructed beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, has been inspected by Bridges Division Secretary and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, Mohammad Abdur Rouf. On Wednesday, 15 April, at the beginning of the inspection, the Bridge Secretary conducted an on-site visit to the jetty area of Karnaphuli Dry Dock Limited adjacent to the tunnel.

According to sources, installation work of advanced technology-based health monitoring equipment is currently underway to ensure the long-term durability and structural safety of the tunnel. The Bridge Secretary entered the facility and inspected the mechanical operations of the automated sensors and monitoring system. Through this technology, real-time data will enable monitoring of internal air circulation, seismic resilience, and any form of cracks or structural defects inside the tunnel.

During the inspection, addressing the concerned engineers, the Secretary said, “No shortcomings are acceptable in ensuring the safety and maintenance of the tunnel. By utilizing modern technology, we must ensure the highest standards of this mega project, comparable to developed countries.” He instructed the relevant engineers and officials to complete the installation of these sensitive components within the stipulated time while maintaining proper quality standards.

Later, to enhance toll collection and overall revenue generation of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, held a discussion meeting with relevant stakeholders on how to increase the usage and utility of the tunnel by utilizing the jetty of Karnaphuli Dry Dock Limited. The meeting included detailed discussions on the potential for multi-purpose use of the jetty to boost toll revenue.

The Secretary stated that the Honorable Prime Minister has provided directives to take necessary measures to modernize the country’s overall communication system. To implement this vision, the Honorable Minister and State Minister of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry are working tirelessly and providing necessary guidance.

The Bridge Secretary further said that to make the tunnel—one of the key drivers of the national economy—more effective, it is essential to increase freight movement and logistics facilities. Through connectivity and integrated use with the Karnaphuli Dry Dock jetty, it would be possible to increase tunnel usage and boost revenue for the national exchequer. He advised formulating a coordinated action plan promptly to implement this initiative.

During the inspection, Engineer Abdur Rashid, Managing Director of Karnaphuli Dry Dock Limited, along with senior officials of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, officials of the Karnaphuli Tunnel site office, and other officials of Karnaphuli Dry Dock Limited, were present.

DBTech/ND/EK/OR