The Padma Bridge : Dream on the Verge of Fulfilment

Introduction : The long‑cherished dream of the Padma Bridge became reality on 25 June 2022, when the bridge was officially inaugurated and opened to the public. The Padma Bridge is a multipurpose road‑rail structure built across the Padma River, connecting Lauhajong (Munshiganj) with Shariatpur and Madaripur, thereby linking the south‑western region with the northern and eastern parts of Bangladesh. As the largest bridge in the country, it has already begun transforming communication, trade, industry and regional development.

Padma Bridge Construction Project : The project was undertaken to accelerate socio‑economic and industrial development in south‑western Bangladesh. It ensures improved access to markets, services and opportunities nationwide, significantly reducing travel time and transport costs.

The Padma River previously acted as a major barrier between the south‑west and Dhaka. With the bridge now operational, the distance to Dhaka has been reduced by over 100 kilometres, improving mobility for millions.

Design and Structure : The design contract was awarded to Maunsell AECOM, supported by global engineering experts.

• Length: 6.15 km
• Width: 18.10 m
• Type: Double‑deck steel truss bridge
• Upper deck: Four‑lane highway
• Lower deck: Single‑track railway, gas pipeline, fibre‑optic cable and power lines
• Main span: 150 m

Padma Multipurpose Bridge : At a Glance

• Carries: Motor vehicles, railway
• Crosses: Padma River
• Locale: Lauhajong → Shariatpur & Madaripur
• Maintained by: Bangladesh Bridge Authority
• Designer: Maunsell AECOM
• Contractor: China Major Bridge Engineering Corporation
• Material: Steel
• Construction began: December 2014
• Opened: 25 June 2022

Financing : Donor agencies including the World Bank, ADB and JICA initially pledged USD 1.9 billion. After allegations of corruption—later dismissed by the government—Bangladesh chose to fund the project independently. The total project cost amounted to BDT 30,193 crore (approx. USD 3.86 billion). The Padma Bridge now stands as a symbol of national capability and financial independence.

Expected Benefits : The bridge has already begun delivering transformative benefits:

• Direct, uninterrupted connectivity between Dhaka and the south‑west
• Reduced pressure on ferry ghats
• Faster movement of goods and passengers
• Enhanced trade with India, especially Kolkata
• Boost to regional agriculture, industry and tourism
• Expansion of rail, gas, electricity and fibre‑optic networks
• Economic uplift for nearly 44,000 sq km (29% of Bangladesh)

Construction Progress (Updated) : By June 2022, all spans, piers, road slabs and railway decks were completed. Railway installation continues under the Padma Rail Link Project, expected to fully connect Dhaka–Jessore by 2027.

Conclusion : The Padma Bridge is a monumental achievement for Bangladesh. Built entirely with domestic funding, it demonstrates the nation’s engineering strength and economic resilience. The bridge fulfils the vision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and marks a historic milestone in national development.