Padma Multipurpose Bridge At A Glance

The Padma Bridge is a multi-functional bridge spanning across the Padma River in Bangladesh. It is the longest bridge in the country, serving as both a road and rail bridge. The bridge will connect the southwestern region of Bangladesh to the northern and eastern regions. The Padma Bridge project is a challenging endeavor, fully funded by the Bangladesh Government. The bridge is designed as a two-layer steel truss bridge, with the upper layer serving as a four-lane highway and the lower layer as a single-track rail road. The bridge is capable of accommodating both meter gauge and broad gauge trains. The Padma Bridge is situated on one side in Mawa, Munshiganj and on the other side in Zajira, Shariatpur District. The bridge will connect 21 districts in the southern region of the country. 

General Information About Padma Multipurpose Bridge

Being the longest bridge in Bangladesh, it has a total length of 6150 meters, making it one of the largest bridges in the country. The total investment in this project is a staggering 30,192 crore (based on the 2nd Revised Development Project Plan) taka, reflecting its significance to the country’s development. The deck height of the bridge is 13.6 meters and it has a navigational clearance of 18.30 meters, ensuring the smooth passage of vessels.

The bridge consists of 42 pillars, with each span having a length of 150 meters. The pile length of the bridge is 128 meters and the pile diameter is 3 meters, ensuring its stability. The bridge is designed to withstand earthquakes up to 9 magnitudes, further enhancing its durability. The bridge also has provisions for the installation of a 400Kv power transmission line and an 1135 psi gas transmission line, providing additional benefits to the region.

Material Properties

The construction materials used in this project consist of structural steel with grades S355M, S420M, and S420ML, concrete with grades 50 and 60, and high-yield steel for reinforcement. These materials have been selected for their exceptional strength and durability, ensuring the stability and longevity of the structure. The use of high-yield steel for reinforcement will also ensure that the structure is able to withstand significant loads and maintain its integrity. The choice of these materials will help ensure the success of the project, meeting the demands of the structure’s intended purpose while also providing the necessary safety and security measures.

Features

The Upper Deck of the bridge is designed as a 4-lane bridge to facilitate vehicular traffic. Meanwhile, the Lower Deck serves multiple purposes, accommodating a single-track dual gauge rail line, a gas line, a fiber optic and telephone line, and an electric line. This integration of various modes of transportation and communication infrastructure within the same structure demonstrates the thorough planning and consideration given to ensure the efficient and effective utilization of the bridge.

Vehicle 

A source at the BBC has reported that the existing roads have undergone extensive development, as well as the construction of expressways on both sides of the Padma Bridge. The cost of these developments has been estimated at BDT 11,000 crore. Upon the opening of the bridge, it is anticipated that the level of transportation will experience an increase of over 20 times. According to a source at the Asian Development Bank, the Padma Bridge is projected to accommodate an average of 24,000 vehicles per day by 2024, with a projected increase to 67,000 vehicles per day by 2050.

Toll Rates

Impact Of The Bridge

The Padma multipurpose bridge is poised to have a substantial impact on both economy and the transport sector of Bangladesh. The bridge will play a vital role in the overall development of the country. As a result of its construction, millions of people will benefit from the alleviation of traffic congestion. Furthermore, the bridge will significantly improve trade and commerce activities across the country.

Sectoral Growth: 

• Agriculture – 9.5%
• Manufacturing & Transport – 8%
• Construction – 29%

GDP Growth:

• Southwest – 1.7%
• Overall – 0.56%

Poverty Decline:

• Southwest – 1%
• Overall – 0.8%

River Training: 

• Land Saved – 9000 Hector
• Expenses – $156 million

Ferry Service Cost Saved Of $400 million.

Construction Timeline Of The Padma Multipurpose Bridge

• 1998-1999 – Pre Feasibility study (GoB funding)
• 2003-2005 – Feasibility Study, finalized by JICA, Japan (JICA Grant)
• 2006 – Land Acquisition Plan, Resettlement Action Plan and Environmental Management Plan (GoB fund)
• 2009-2011 – Detailed design and procurement finalized by Maunsell Ltd. AECOM NZL (ADB TA Loan + GoB Fund)
• June,2012 – World Bank cancels loan
• July, 2012 – Bangladesh government decides to build the bridge with its own fund.
• June 17, 2014 – Deal signed with China Major Bridge Engineering Co. Ltd. to build the main portion of the bridge.
• November 26, 2014 – Main construction of the bridge begins
• December 12, 2015 – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates the construction work of the Padma Bridge at Mawa in Munshiganj.
• September 30, 2017 – The first span of the bridge is installed.
• December 10, 2020 – The Last span is installed
• June 25, 2022 – Inauguration of the Padma Bridge