Deal signed for feasibility studies to build 2nd Jamuna, Padma bridges
The total duration for completing the feasibility study has been set at 12 months.
Highlights:
- Study to identify suitable locations and alignments for the proposed bridges
- 12 months set for completing the feasibility study
- Bridges Division secretary urges consultants to finish study in 8–9 months
- Proposed bridges expected to improve northern, southwestern and central connectivity
- Consultancy involves firms from Nepal, Sweden, South Korea and Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has signed an agreement to conduct feasibility studies for the construction of second Jamuna and Padma bridges with an aim to improve the country's transport system, regional connectivity and further momentum to economic activities.
The agreement titled "Consultancy Services for Feasibility Study for Construction of Second Jamuna and Padma Bridges over the River Jamuna and Padma" was signed yesterday (2 September) at the conference room of the BBA.
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Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the BBA Mohammad Abdur Rouf attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest.
On behalf of the BBA, its Chief Engineer Md Abul Hossain signed the agreement while Engineer Mia Mohammad Kaiyum, Managing Director and Authorised Signatory of the consulting firm SARM Associates Limited, signed it on behalf of the consultant.
Speaking as the chief guest, Abdur Rouf said the government has been implementing various infrastructure mega projects to improve the country's transport sector, strengthen regional connectivity and accelerate economic activities.
"The signing of the agreement for the feasibility study of the second Jamuna and Padma bridges is an important step forward in the development of the country's bridge infrastructure," he said.
The Bridges Division Secretary said construction of the new bridges at suitable locations identified through an accurate and approved feasibility study is a forward-looking initiative aimed at diversifying the country's transport system, regional connectivity and accelerating economic growth.
He said that once the proposed bridges are constructed, connectivity among the northern, southwestern and central regions of the country will become easier, faster and more efficient. At the same time, pressure on the existing road communication network will reduce.
This would bring new momentum to the transportation of goods and passengers, he said.
The primary objective of the feasibility study is to identify suitable alignments and locations for constructing sustainable, safe and economically beneficial bridges to meet the country's long-term transportation needs.
The study will also review various technical and structural alternatives for bridge construction and recommend the best possible option.
As part of the study, the proposed projects will undergo detailed assessments covering technical, economic, environmental, social and financial aspects.
Through these assessments, the feasibility and suitability of implementing the construction projects for the second Jamuna and Padma bridges will be evaluated.
The consultancy service is being jointly undertaken by Environment and Resource Management Consultant Limited (ERMC) of Nepal, Swedish National Road Consulting AB of Sweden, DASAN Consultants Co. Ltd. of South Korea and Bangladesh's Desh Upodesh Limited (DUL) and JS SARM Associates Limited (SARM). Bangladeshi firm Tillar will work as the sub-consultant.
According to the agreement, the total duration for completing the feasibility study has been set at 12 months.
However, Mohammad Abdur Rouf urged the concerned consulting firms to complete the study within eight to nine months, while maintaining the required quality standards.
Senior officials from the Bridges Division and the BBA, as well as representatives of the concerned consulting firms, were present at the signing ceremony.
Based on the findings of the feasibility study, further steps will be taken in the future regarding the construction of the two bridges, including determining suitable locations and the most appropriate technical alternatives.
