Bangabandhu Bridge

The construction of the Bangabandhu Bridge is the materialization of the long cherished desire of the people of Bangladesh. It has opened a new dimension of progress and prosperity. It has connected the eastern and western regions. After the emergence of Bangladesh it is the greatest achievement for Bangladesh. History of the Bridge: The River Jamuna divides the country into two zones Eastern and western. Usual ferries and the country boats are used to cross the river. In the rainy season it becomes more difficult and dangerous to cross it. Again in the dry season the ferry ghats are often shifted from one place to another. It affects badly the transportation of goods and people. Under the circumstances the question of construction of a multi purpose bridge over the mighty Jamuna needs no explanation. The story of Bangabandhu Bridge is a long story. It is the result of the successive demands of the people of North Bangal. The idea for a multi purpose bridge over the river Jamuna was first conceived in the sixties in the early seventies a number of technical and feasibility surveys of the project were undertaken by a team of foreign experts notably the Japanese. In June, 1984 the then government decided to build the Bangabandhu Bridge. Feasibility Study: Three consultants Rendell, Palmer and Triton of Britain, NEDECO of Holland and Bangladesh Consultants Ltd. completed the first phase of the feasibility study, 1986. The same group of consultants carried out the second phase of study including a detailed economic feasibility and engineering design of the bridge in June, 1987. They also prepared tender documents for the project. Land Acquisition: For the construction of Bangabandhu Bridge about 7273 acres of land have been acquired on both sides of the river in the district of Tangail and Sirajgonj. The affected families have been compensated for their loss of land. Fund: The total project cost was jointly financed by the government of Bangladesh, the government of Japan, the World Bank and the Asian Bank. Construction: The actual physical work of the bridge began on October 161994. It took 889 days to complete the bridge. During this period 18 lakh laborers worked hard day and night to complete the bridge. More than two thousand foreigners including engineers, technicians, supervisors and laborers worked. They were from the U.S.A., U.K., Holland, Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The construction contractor was a Korean firm and river training contractor was a Dutch Firm. The bridge is 4-8 kilometer long and 18.5 meter wide. There are 49 spans, 1263 Deck segment, 121 piles and 50 Piers. There are 4 road lanes, Railway, power Transmission Line, Tele Communication Line and gas line. The probable expenditure for its construction is about three thousand crore taka; the construction of the bridge was completed on June 20, 1998. It was opened on June 23, 1998. Importance a sound well-developed transport and communication system plays a vital role in the socio-economic progress of a country. The construction of Bangabandhu Bridge has ushered in a new era in the transport and communication system of Bangladesh. It has paved the way for harmonious development of agriculture, industry, electricity, forest, and natural wealth in both the regions. It has reduced transport fares including railway fare. The bridge has removed difficulties in carrying goods and passengers between the two parts of the country. Now natural gas has reached the door of the people of north region of the country. Environmental Management Action Plan: To mitigate all the adverse impacts on the Bridge, an Environmental Management Action Plan has been taken at the cost of Tk. 24 crore. The importance of the Bangabandhu Bridge can not be described in words. It is a milestone in the field of transport and communication system of Bangladesh.