DHAKA, Oct 24, 2021 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated
the much-awaited bridge constructed over the Payra River in Lebukhali area on
Patuakhali-Barishal highway for traffic movement, paving the way for
travelling to Patuakhali from Barisal without ferry.

  The premier opened the Payra Bridge joining virtually from her official
residence Ganabhaban here.

  The bridge has a "bridge health monitor" system, which has been installed
for the first time in a bridge in the country.

  The system will send signals of natural disasters, including thunderstorms
and earthquakes or any damage, said officials familiar with the process.

  They said the both sides of 1470 metre long and 19.6 metre wide bridge will
be connected by cables, while it is 18.30 metre high from the water level to
ease movement of ships coming from and to Payra port.

  Besides, seven kilometer approach roads have been constructed on both sides
of the bridge.

  In the construction of the bridge, a single pillar has been used in the
middle of the river which is expected not to disrupt the normal water flow of
the river.

  With the opening of Payra Bridge, direct road communication will be
established between Dhaka and Kuakata after being completed the construction
of the Padma Bridge.

   The government approved the bridge construction project in May, 2012,
while the prime minister laid the foundation stone of Payra Bridge on March
13, 2013.

  The Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development and the OPEC Fund for
International Development have jointly financed the construction of the
bridge by Chinese firm Longjian Road and Bridge Construction Bridge.