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BSS-29
PM-PADMA BRIDGE 2 LAST DHAKA
According to Railways Ministry sources, the first phase of the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project’ will establish rail link between Mawa and Bhanga via Janjira and Shibchar through the Padma Multipurpose Bridge that will connect Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Narail and Jashore.
The Chinese government-nominated contractor China Railway Group Limited is implementing the project under China G2G system. A loan agreement was signed with Chinese Exim Bank for $2667.94 million in this regard.
Under the project, 23 km ballast-less elevated viaduct rail line will be constructed. On the elevated viaduct, two platforms, one mainline and two loop lines will be constructed along with installation of elevators.
The prime minister inaugurated the main bridge construction and river training work at Janzira in Shariatpur and Mawa in Munshiganj on December 12 in 2015.
The bridge will open up a new horizon in the country’s communication system and bring a revolutionary change in the life and livelihood of nearly six crore people of 19 southern districts as it will connect them with the rest of the country including the capital, Dhaka, directly, experts said.
They said it would reduce the long-time sufferings of the people of those districts, cutting their travel time by two to three hours, to go to other parts of the country.
The two-tier Padma Bridge having provisions for movement of vehicles on the upper tier of the bridge and operation of train on the lower tier is being built with concrete and steel structures.
The government is building the Padma Bridge, the largest infrastructure in the country, with its own fund of over Taka 30,000 crore. The work on the Padma Bridge is broadly divided into five parts — the main bridge, river training, two link roads and infrastructure (service area) construction.
The bridge will have a total of 42 pillars. Each will have six piles beneath. Steel spans will be placed on the pillars. The bridge will have a total of 41 spans.
The China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Corporation is constructing the main bridge, while China’s Sinohydro Corporation was appointed for the river training work and Bangladesh’s Abdul Monem Limited was given the contract for the two approach roads and infrastructure construction.
Bangladesh Army, BUET and Korea Expressway Corporation and Associates are supervising the construction of the bridge which is expected to boost the country’s trade, development and economic activities.
BSS/SH/GA/1755 hrs