The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is set to establish a three-kilometer tourist zone on the bank of Karnaphuli River in Bakalia region of the port city.

This initiative will be implemented under a project named "Construction of Road on the bank of River Karnaphuli from Kalurghat bridge to Chaktai Khal (canal)."

CDA’s chief town planner Abu Isa Ansaari informed BSS that a walkway will also be constructed over a five-kilometer area extending from Shah Amanat Bridge to Bolirhat.

Additionally, a restaurant catering to tourists and a complete entertainment options for children will be built. The funds allocated for this project will be utilized to create various tourist attractions, he noted.

Local resident Jabed Ahmed remarked, "The socio-economic conditions of this area will improve significantly if the tourism zone is established." He further stated that Chattogram and its neighboring upazilas possess numerous features that appeal to tourists, such as stunning sea views, mountains, mangrove forests, waterfalls, and lakes.

However, the potential of many tourist sites has largely gone unexploited due to the lack of interest from the government agencies.

Architect Shahinul Islam Khan, the former chief urban planner of the CDA, emphasized the necessity for authorities to maintain the cleanliness of the river. He stated that establishing an eco-friendly tourist center in this area would significantly transform the port city into a genuine tourist destination.

Data from the CDA indicates that the project received approval during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on April 25, 2017.

The construction phase of the project commenced in June 2019 with the initiation of a sluice gate at the estuary of the Chaktai canal.

Project Director Rajib Das stated, "Upon completion of the construction, this road will link the Dhaka-Chattogram and Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highways via the City Bypass Loop Road and the Oxygen-Quaish Link Road, thereby alleviating traffic congestion within the city."

He further explained that vehicles arriving from Kaptai, Rangunia, and Boalkhali upazilas will be able to bypass the city center using this road, facilitating access to the city’s airport, Patenga area, and southern Chattogram. Tourists from Chattogram city, as well as the northern and southern districts, will soon be able to enjoy the tourist zone.

He additionally stated that 92 percent of the construction for this 9.5-kilometer-long road has been finalized. The remaining tasks are anticipated to be completed by December. Once the road is fully functional, it will offer numerous advantages, he added.

So, it will open up new opportunities for managing waterlogging in the city, safeguarding riverbanks, enhancing urban connectivity, establishing a modern water drainage system, and promoting the tourism industry.

CDA chairman engineer Belayet Hossain informed BSS that the project has been incorporated into the CDA Master Plan, with plans to establish a three-kilometer-long tourist zone. Efforts are underway to develop these areas through private or joint venture initiatives.

He mentioned that a walkway extending over three kilometers from Shah Amanat Bridge to Bolirhat will be constructed, along with a tourist center on both the sides of Marine Drive.

A family-friendly restaurant featuring entertainment options for children will be established, he said. The CDA chairman noted that Bakalia is regarded as one of the less developed regions of Chattogram city.

Urban planners assert that the successful execution of this plan could significantly transform the area's landscape.

They believe that the quality of life for local residents will also enhance following the project's completion. Despite Bakalia being a densely populated area, it lacks essential entertainment facilities.

So, this new tourist center is expected to provide opportunities for the residents of Bakalia, as well as the broader Chattogram city, to enjoy nature in close proximity, they said.

Although Bakolia is a crowded locality, there are insufficient arrangements for the entertainment of its inhabitants. Thus, the new tourist destination will enable individuals not only from Bakalia but from the entire Chattogram city to engage with nature, he said.