DHAKA, Jan 14, 2020 (BSS) – The 21st span of the much-awaited Padma
Multipurpose Bridge was installed today at Jajira point, making over 3
kilometres out of total 6.15km of the main structure of the bridge visible.
“The 21st span among the total 41 was placed between the 32nd and the 33rd
pillars at the Jajira point of the bridge around 3:00 pm,” said Dewan Abdul
Quader, an executive engineer of the Padma Bridge Project.
Earlier, the 20th span was installed on pillars 18-19 to complete 3km of
the bridge on December 31, 2019.
The authorities have planned to install three spans every month and all of
41 spans will be installed by July 2020.
In the meantime, 33 spans have been brought to Mawa from China while two
spans are on the way.
The works of constructing six more spans are going on in China, said Dewan
adding that all of the 41 spans will arrive here by March.
On December 18 and 31, the 19th and 20th spans were installed
respectively.
On October 14, 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled the name plaque
of Padma Bridge Toll Plaza at the Mawa end.
According to experts, the national economy is expected to witness 1.2
percent GDP growth rate, while 0.84 percent poverty will be reduced every
year after completion of the bridge to be built with an estimated cost of
Taka 30,193.39 crore.
The first span of the Padma Bridge was installed on September 30, 2017.