Padma Multipurpose Bridge, from hopeless to watershed moment. What a momentous event for Bangladeshis!

Padma Bridge is such an achievement for Bangladeshis. By implementing it, the dream of million people has come true, sufferings in the ‘ghat’ area, time saving issues is solved and Dhaka city becomes more nearer for the southern part of the country.

Padma Multipurpose Bridge considered to be most challenging construction project in the history of Bangladesh. Building a bridge on the mighty river Padma was a cherished dream of the people. At last in 25 June, 2022 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened Bangladesh’s longest bridge overcoming three pronged challenges- financial, engineering and political.

This wonder structure is a two- level road- rail bridge. It is 6.15 km(20,470ft) in total length with 18.18 meter (59.6 ft) width and 120 meter (394ft) height. This steel trush bridge carries a four- lane highway on the upper level and a single track highway on the lower level. It has 41 spans and can load 10,000 tonnes.

Establishing direct communication between capital and the South and Southwest of the country a project was proposed for the construction of a bridge over the Padma river on 18 September, 1998. But later in the 2006-2007 Annual Development Program, the then Government of Bangladesh planned to build the Padma Multipurpose Bridge. The planning the preparation of the project had started. This was expected to done within 2009 to 2014. But unfortunately the World Bank, it’s main financier, cut off funding on allegations of corruption. Other donor agencies also follwed path of World Bank. But Bangladesh government didn’t lose the hope. With uncertainty prime minister Sheikh Hasina announced the construction of the Padma Bridge with local resources. On 26 November, 2014 the construction was started and on 25 June, 2022 this was inaugurated. The construction costs $3.6 billion.

China Major Bridge Engineering Company Ltd, was selected for the construction works. Though it did the main work but there were many more companies and institutions associated with it. 14 countries including Bangladesh have been involved in this project. With foreign engineers, technicians and artisans many Bangladeshi engineers and workers have been involved with this construction.

This long bridge will be directly connected to other districts of the country including 21 districts. It has facilitated communication with the whole country including the capital. It will lead to socio-economic development of the region as well as expansion of trade and commerce. It will help to increase country’s GDP rate.
But every thing has it’s good and worst side. This dream bridge may cause the break of many dreams. Many businesses depending on the Padma Ghat which have been around for ages will be shut down. There are numerous hawkers and hotel business at both the ports of Banglabazar-Shimulia route. Passengers of launches, ferries and speedboats are the sole buyers and dependents of these hotels and hawkers. The bridge may cause to lose the business.

Many inappropriate things were seen after the day of opening of Padma Bridge. Many people were seen taking photos, making tiktok videos getting down from their vehicles at the middle of the bridge, which was annoying to many passengers. A youth was seen unscrewing nuts, bolts of the bridge, another was seen urinating. These also happened at the first day of the opening of the bridge, which also drew criticisms across the country.

Though netizens seen some eye pleasing photos from Padma Bridge also.

However, there is no doubt that, Padma Bridge is miracle for our nation. The Bangladesh government deserves praise for making us proud.