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Dhaka: The government is moving ahead with plans to enhance the visual appeal and environmental quality of the Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive, one of the country’s most important coastal tourism routes, as part of an ongoing road expansion project.
Officials said, the 80-kilometer stretch connecting Kalatoli to Teknaf’s Sabrang Zero Point is being upgraded into a four-lane highway with a strong emphasis on preserving natural beauty along the coastline.
A key feature of the revised plan is a design approach aimed at minimizing environmental damage. Authorities confirmed that thousands of trees along the route will be preserved, while additional landscaping efforts are being introduced to make the highway more attractive for travelers.
The initiative follows instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ensure that development work is carried out without harming the region’s greenery. As a result, project planners have adjusted construction methods to protect existing vegetation wherever possible.
According to officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, the upgraded design includes ornamental tree planting along both sides of the highway. These additions are intended to improve the overall landscape and strengthen the area’s identity as a tourism-focused corridor.
The project is being overseen by senior officials including Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, who recently visited the site along with other advisers and engineers to review progress and discuss aesthetic improvements.
Beyond road widening, the development plan also includes the construction of a new bridge over the Reju canal, retaining walls, drainage improvements, and utility relocation. Engineers from the Bangladesh Army’s construction battalions are supervising much of the ongoing work.
Tourism planners believe the upgraded Marine Drive could become a more attractive coastal route for both domestic and international visitors once completed, combining improved transport infrastructure with a greener, more scenic environment.
Authorities expect the project to be completed by 2026, with continued efforts to balance infrastructure expansion and environmental preservation along the Bay of Bengal coastline.
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