The Padma Multipurpose Bridge

The Padma Bridge is a multipurpose road-rail bridge across the Padma River to be constructed in Bangladesh. When completed it will be the largest bridge in Bangladesh and the first fixed river grossing for road traffic. It will connect Louhajong, Munshigonj to Shariatpur and Madaripur linking the south-west of the country, to northern and eastern regions. The total area of land to be acquired and required for its components is 918 hectares. The requisition of land for the construction yard will be for six years on a rental basis. As per the new design, an additional 144.04 hectares has been identified for acquisition bringing the total to 1062.14 hectares. The two-level steel truss bridge will carry a four lane highway on the upper level and a single track railway on a lower level. The project will include 6.15km long and 18.10 meter wide bridge, 15.1km of approach roads, toll plazas and service areas. We can say in fine, that the government step to construct the Padma Bridge despite turning down of World Bank in financing is a brave decision which carried praise from home and abroad. But the government needs to maintain transparency and efficiency in each and every process of building the bridge as the bridge is being built with the people's hard-earried money.