The Bangladesh Bridges Authority (BBA) has planned to do further feasibility study on the country's proposed longest bridge on the Tentulia in Barisal division.
A cabinet committee has not accepted its first study.
Sources said the cabinet committee on economic affairs recently directed to the Bangladesh Bridges Authority (BBA) for further study on the 10-kilometre bridge to link Barishal with Bhola.
As the Tk 992.2-billion project was placed before the committee for approval under the public-private partnership, they said, it found that the study lacks accuracy and perfection.
Sources said the BBA submitted the project for approval considering huge budgetary involvement in construction, although it has received interest from different development partners in building the bridge.
The Asian Development Bank, China, Japan and South Korea were among the possible funders, they added.
About credibility of the first feasibility study, BBA chief engineer Quazi Ferdous said the cabinet committee wants to be more accurate in the findings by carrying out a comprehensive study.
"We're planning to carry a comprehensive study on the bridge project for more accuracy in and perfection of all information," he told the FE.
The BBA did the study on the Barishal-Bhola bridge under a four-bridge feasibility study project in 2017.
The study completed in August 2019 proposed building the bridge downstream Bheduria ferry jetty on Bhola side and Laharhat ferry jetty in Barishal.
Of the total bridge length, three kilometres will cross Sreepur char (shoal) as an elevated road.
A consortium of STUP Consultant Private Ltd of India, COWI Consulting of the UK and Development Design Consultant and DevConsultant of Bangladesh conducted the study.
The group found it viable for coping with increased traffic volume every 10 years from 2024.
According to the report, traffic volume would be nearly 7,000 in 2024 which is likely to increase to 15,620 in 2034 and 56,701 in 2054.
If the length is confirmed, it would be the country's largest bridge.
The under-construction Padma Bridge, which is 6.15 km in length, is currently the largest one.
At present, launch and speedboats are the modes of transport to ferry people cross the river.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
