Bangladesh: Southern Chattogram and Kaliakoir Transmission Infrastructure Development Project
Bangladesh’s energy sector is poised for a significant upgrade with the approval of the Southern Chattogram and Kaliakoir Transmission Infrastructure Development Project. This initiative aims to enhance the reliability and capacity of the power transmission network in Southern Chattogram and the Kaliakoir region. The project has a total approved funding of USD 160 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The project involves the construction of approximately 180.43 km of 132/230kV transmission lines, the establishment of four gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substations, and the expansion of two existing substation bays. The areas targeted by this project include the Anwara, Cox’s Bazar, and Teknaf regions in the Chattogram division, as well as the Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City (BHTC) in the Gazipur district of the Dhaka division.
Given the scale and potential impact of this project, it has been classified as a Category A project under the AIIB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). The project will require approximately 73 acres of land.
Upon completion, the project is expected to improve the transmission and distribution capacity in the Southern Chattogram and Kaliakoir regions. This will reduce the frequency of unscheduled power outages and enhance the reliability of electricity supply for consumers. Furthermore, the project is aligned with AIIB’s thematic priorities, including green infrastructure and technology-enabled infrastructure, and is expected to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency.
The Southern Chattogram and Kaliakoir Transmission Infrastructure Development Project is a crucial investment in Bangladesh’s energy future. By enhancing the transmission network’s capacity and reliability, the project will support the country’s continued economic growth and contribute to its long-term energy security. Through careful planning and robust environmental and social management, the project aims to balance development needs with the protection of local communities and ecosystems, setting a strong precedent for future infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.