Govt plans Y-shaped 2nd Padma Bridge

The government has taken an in-principle decision to construct a Y-shaped second bridge over the Padma River alongside the proposed Padma Barrage, while also moving ahead with plans for a second bridge over the Jamuna River.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam disclosed the decisions while briefing journalists after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Tuesday (November 3).

The minister said the Padma Barrage project had already been undertaken and the Y-shaped second Padma Bridge had received in-principle approval. The government also recognised the need for a second bridge over the Jamuna River. He said all three projects were included in the government's election manifesto.

He said the meeting was held to ensure integrated planning and coordination among the physical infrastructure projects before implementation. The government wants to maximise the use of the Padma Barrage while also exploring its potential for improving connectivity.

The meeting discussed whether the Padma Barrage and the proposed Y-shaped bridge could create any technical obstacles for each other or function as complementary infrastructure. It was eventually decided that work on the barrage would continue according to its existing plan alongside the construction of the second bridge.

Sheikh Robiul Alam said feasibility studies for the two Padma projects were underway. After receiving the study reports, the authorities would prepare detailed designs and Development Project Proposals (DPPs), following which physical construction work would begin.

Regarding the progress of the Padma Barrage project, the minister said it had advanced considerably and had already received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The proposal for a Y-shaped bridge in the nearby area emerged during the detailed design stage, prompting discussions on coordination between the two projects.

The first Padma Bridge, measuring 6.15 kilometres, was inaugurated in 2022, connecting Mawa in Munshiganj with Jajira in Shariatpur. Its construction cost more than Tk 30,000 crore.

Subsequently, plans for a second Padma Bridge gained momentum to connect Paturia ferry terminal in Manikganj with Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari. The proposed bridge is expected to reduce road travel distances between Dhaka and Meherpur, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Magura and Rajbari.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a pre-feasibility study on the Paturia-Daulatdia bridge in 1999, with the final report submitted in May 2005.

In February 2018, the then Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government had sought funding from development partners for the second Padma Bridge but received no positive response.

The project was also included in the BNP's election manifesto. It regained momentum after the BNP government assumed office in February this year, and Tuesday's meeting reaffirmed the government's commitment to the project alongside the Padma Barrage.

Regarding the proposed second Jamuna Bridge, Sheikh Robiul Alam said it was necessary to improve connectivity with the greater Rangpur region. He said the government was committed to implementing the project and had taken an in-principle decision to that effect.

The government and the relevant implementing authorities would take the necessary steps to move the project forward, he added.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam, State Minister for Railways, Roads and Highways Habib Ur Rashid Habib, State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan and other officials concerned attended the meeting.