DHAKA, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has approved the long-term lease of 120 acres of land at the Jamuna Bridge site for the construction of a 55-megawatt solar power plant

The project is aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy and develop environmentally friendly infrastructure.

The approval was given today at the 117th board meeting of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority held at the conference room of the Bridges Division. 

Road Transport and Bridges Minister and BBA Board Chairman Sheikh Rabiul Alam chaired the meeting.

Under the board's decision, the 120-acre site at the Jamuna Bridge will be leased to North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) for the installation of the 55 MW solar power plant.

Once implemented, the project is expected to increase the supply of electricity from renewable sources to the national grid and contribute positively to environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions.

At the beginning of the meeting, Bridges Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf presented the meeting agenda and the progress in implementing decisions.

Following discussions, the board approved several important proposals, including the solar power project.

The board also approved a proposal to prepare an integrated master plan for the phased installation of solar panels at various facilities under the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.

In addition, the board decided to amend the existing policy for allocating flats in the rehabilitation village to improve the resettlement of families affected by the Dhaka Elevated Expressway construction project.

The meeting also approved the reinstatement of the agreement for operating the BIAM Laboratory School at Diabari in Uttara and decided to establish the Centre for Bridge Research and Training (CBRT) to develop skilled manpower in bridge construction, maintenance and research.

The board further approved an amendment to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority Officers and Employees Welfare Trust Regulations, 2010, replacing the provision for "annual scholarship" with "annual education grant assistance" to make employee welfare benefits more relevant to current needs.

The Minister said the present government is committed to sustainable development, expanding green energy and developing environment friendly transport infrastructure.

He said increasing the use of renewable energy alongside infrastructure development is the need of the time and that such projects will play a significant role in achieving that objective.