Govt works on three more long bridges

After the successful completion of the country's longest and most challenging Padma Bridge, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) is planning to build three more bridges with expected lengths between 8.0 and 10 kilometers each.
The BBA, which executed the 6.15 km Padma Multipurpose Bridge, has already started feasibility studies for the bridges over the Meghna, Kalabodor, and Tetulia rivers in the south and southeastern region of the country.
These new bridges are expected to have a significant impact on connectivity and economic activities, as they will establish a direct link between Khulna and Chattogram, as well as between the coastal Bhola district and Barishal, officials said.
They added the investment for these feasibility studies, which are being carried out under the BBA's master plan, is expected to be at least US $5.0 billion.
Sources have also revealed that the BBA under the Road Transport and Bridge Ministry has unofficially contacted development partners for future investments.
The BBA inaugurated the $3.0 billion Padma Multipurpose Bridge on June 26, 2022, which established direct road connectivity between the capital and 21 southwestern districts.
However, the entire procedure for the bridge, from pre-feasibility study to traffic movement, took a lengthy 23 years to complete.
The planned bridge that will link Chandpur and Shariatpur over the Meghna river is expected to be around 10 km long with an estimated cost of US $5 billion.
This new bridge will connect the Shariatpur district with different parts of the country via the Chandpur district through the eastern side of the Meghna bridge.
Currently, communication between the two important cities is carried out through the Dhaka-Mawa highway.
The Bhola-Barishal bridge, which is also expected to be around 10 km long, will include an approximately 4.5 km elevated approach road. It is planned to link Ilishaghat in Bhola with Bedura in Barishal.
The Bhola district is already significant for its gas fields, and the government has plans to establish a special economic zone there.
According to official documents, another bridge, initially named the Olipur-Rajibpur bridge, is also expected to be around 8 km long.
A senior official, who preferred not to be named, told the FE that as all three bridges are currently under study, the actual length and viability of the bridge constructions cannot be confirmed until the studies are completed. The studies are expected to be completed next year.
Sources have also revealed that of the three bridges, the BBA has already completed the feasibility study of the Bhola-Barishal bridge as part of its four-bridge feasibility study project and listed it for investment under public-private partnership.
However, the project was later included in the master plan for further study following the Prime Minister's directive last year when her approval was sought for listing it under the PPP.

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