The 2.2km track runs from Shah Amanat International Airport to the elevated expressway, with the government planning more cycling routes across the port city.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Sahadat Hossain, and other dignitaries ride bicycles along the newly inaugurated cycle track on Airport Road. Photo: TBS
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Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Sahadat Hossain, and other dignitaries ride bicycles along the newly inaugurated cycle track on Airport Road. Photo: TBS
Chattogram has opened a 2.2km cycle track along the city’s airport road, with the city corporation describing it as Bangladesh’s first dedicated cycling track and the government pledging to develop more such facilities across the port city.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated the track today (9 October), saying more cycling routes will be developed gradually to make urban transport safer, healthier and more environmentally friendly.
“Today’s initiative for cyclists is only the beginning. More tracks will be developed across Chattogram so people can travel by bicycle, exercise and enjoy their leisure time,” he said at the inauguration ceremony.
The minister said cycling and walking facilities should be treated as essential urban amenities rather than luxuries, stressing the need to make cities more inclusive and accessible to all residents.
“Many people commute to work by bicycle. Cycling is an important part of transport and is particularly good for health. People need space to cycle on the roads, and the mayor has taken the initiative to provide that space,” he said.
Khosru also urged Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Sahadat Hossain to create more walking spaces, including along both banks of canals, so that residents can exercise safely.
“Everyone should have access to space. We need to create an inclusive country, and this project is part of that effort,” he added.
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration, Sahadat said the cycle track is part of the city corporation’s plan to improve the airport road and enhance the city’s appearance.
“We have been planning to build a cycle track for a long time. Since we have improved the aesthetics of the airport road, we wanted to introduce this facility as well,” he said.
The mayor also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly encouraged him to take initiatives to preserve and enhance Chattogram’s natural attractions, including its hills and sea.
A view of the newly constructed 2.2km cycle track and landscaped walking area stretching along Chattogram’s Airport Road. Photo: TBS
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A view of the newly constructed 2.2km cycle track and landscaped walking area stretching along Chattogram’s Airport Road. Photo: TBS
The cycle track was built under the Chattogram Airport Road Expansion and Other Physical Infrastructure Development Project, implemented by the city corporation.
The approximately 2.2km road stretches from Shah Amanat International Airport to the elevated expressway. The four-lane road has footpaths on both sides, a central island separated by kerbs and landscaped walking space along one side, where the cycle track has been constructed.
The city corporation expects the facility to improve the urban landscape while encouraging environmentally friendly transport.
Following the inauguration, the finance minister, mayor, invited guests and cyclists rode along the new track.
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