Second Jamuna Bridge govt’s election pledge: Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said the construction of the second Jamuna Bridge is one of the notable projects included in the election manifesto of the incumbent government, reports BSS.
He made the remarks in parliament on Monday while responding to a tabled question from ruling party lawmaker Md. Mostafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3).
The minister said the proposed 'Second Jamuna Bridge Construction Project' is among the major commitments outlined in the government's current election manifesto.
The initiative is aimed at reducing pressure on the existing Jamuna Bridge and improving connectivity between northern districts and other parts of the country.
With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair, he told parliament that the master plan of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority has recommended implementation of the bridge by 2033.
"According to the master plan of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority under the Bridges Division, implementation of the bridge has been recommended by 2033," he added.
Rabiul said preparations are currently underway to appoint a consulting firm for conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for the project.
"Activities are now in progress to appoint a consultant for carrying out the feasibility study of the proposed bridge. Negotiations with the selected consulting firm have already been completed and a contract will be signed shortly," he said.
He said a feasibility study will examine several potential alignments for the bridge.
The possible routes include a bridge over the Jamuna River connecting Sariakandi upazila in Bogura district with Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur district.
Another option under consideration is a bridge linking Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha district with Dewanganj Ghat of Jamalpur district across the Jamuna River.
"A third option could be any other suitable corridor identified through the feasibility study," he continued.
The minister said after completion of the feasibility study, the government would finalise the alignment and undertake the necessary follow-up measures for implementation of the bridge project.
"Following completion of the feasibility study, necessary subsequent actions, including finalisation of the alignment and construction of the bridge, will be taken," he added.
The proposed bridge is expected to play a crucial role in easing traffic congestion on the existing Jamuna Bridge and further strengthening transport links between the northern region and the rest of the country.