Govt plans second Padma, Jamuna bridges
Officials said the BNP’s election manifesto pledged the three projects and the Bridges Division has taken steps to implement these large projects accordingly
Highlights:
- BNP pledges second Padma, Jamuna bridges and expressway projects
- Second Padma bridge planned Paturia-Daulatdia, completion targeted 2032
- Second Jamuna bridge feasibility study underway, target completion 2033
- Current Jamuna bridge congestion persists despite six-lane approach upgrades
- Dhaka-Chattogram expressway deemed urgent for growing traffic demand
- Projects aim boost connectivity, trade, logistics, and economic growth
As part of the BNP's election pledge, the government plans to complete a second Padma bridge by 2032, a second Jamuna bridge in 2033, and the Dhaka-Chattogram Expressway to meet future demand.
The Bridges Division is considering the new Padma Bridge at Paturia-Daulatdia, while the new Jamuna Bridge could be built along a corridor such as Bogura-Jamalpur, Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha to Dewanganj Ghat in Jamalpur, or another suitable route.
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These details have been obtained from documents of a meeting, held on 1 March between the Bridges Division and the Ministry of Finance on budget estimates for FY27 and projections for the next two fiscals.
Officials said the BNP's election manifesto pledged the three projects and the Bridges Division has taken steps to implement these large projects accordingly.
Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf said that although the approach roads to the Jamuna bridge are being upgraded to six lanes, the bridge itself remains four lanes, causing traffic to slow.
"A feasibility study is under way to determine the location, length, and cost of a second bridge," he added.
After finalising the site, authorities will estimate costs and decide whether the bridge will be funded by the government, foreign financing, or through a public–private partnership (PPP) model.
The secretary further said the second Padma bridge is part of the government's electoral commitment, and a fresh primary study is under way despite earlier assessments.
"Initial options include Paturia-Goalanda and Aricha-Nagarbari, but the final alignment will depend on study findings and economic viability," he added.
Jamuna and Padma bridges
At the meeting, the division said work to upgrade both sides of the Jamuna Bridge to six lanes, including two-lane service roads, is nearly complete. However, congestion persists due to the bridge's limited capacity. To ease traffic, a second bridge is considered necessary, with completion targeted by 2033.
Feasibility studies are already under way for three possible alignments. These include routes across the Jamuna River between Bogura and Jamalpur, from Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha to Dewanganj Ghat in Jamalpur, or another suitable corridor.
Regarding the second Padma bridge, the division said its master plan aims to complete the Paturia-Daulatdia link by 2032. The proposed bridge, about 4.9 kilometres long, will connect Paturia and Goalanda and link national highways N5 and N7.
Once completed, it will establish direct connectivity between the capital and the western and south-western regions. It will also improve access to major land ports such as Benapole and Darshana, and the seaport of Mongla.
Expressway
Officials said over 30,000 vehicles use the Dhaka–Chattogram route daily, with traffic steadily increasing, and described the expressway as "highly urgent" to meet future demand.
The division at the meeting said an expressway would enable faster travel, reduce journey times, and boost trade, logistics, and overall economic activity. Direct connectivity with Chattogram port and key land routes would further strengthen logistics efficiency.
Rouf described the expressway as the "lifeline" of the economy. While the Roads and Highways Department plans to widen the existing highway to six lanes, the Bridges Division is considering an elevated expressway to ensure uninterrupted high-speed travel, subject to further discussion.
He added that efficient transport is essential for imports, exports, and freight movement, and the expressway could also connect east and west Bangladesh via an outer ring road linked to the Mawa Expressway.
5 priorities
According to the division, building second bridges over the Jamuna and Padma rivers would significantly enhance regional connectivity. The Padma Bridge is already linked to Asian Highway-1, while the Jamuna Bridge connects to Asian Highway-2 and AH41.
For the 2026–27 fiscal year, the Bridges Division has identified five priority areas, including construction and expansion of major bridges, tunnels, and related infrastructure, as well as elevated expressways.
Other priorities include maintenance, repair, and modernisation of bridges, tunnels, and expressways; construction and upkeep of approach roads; and land acquisition and rehabilitation for major infrastructure projects.
At present, the division has 57 ongoing and planned projects, with an estimated total cost of Tk12,96,573 crore. Of this, Tk36,648 crore will be spent on ongoing projects, while Tk12,59,925 crore is projected for future initiatives.
Notable ongoing projects include support to the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project, construction of the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, road widening and double-decker road construction from Panchabati to Muktarpur Bridge, the Payra Bridge project, and a bridge over the Meghna-Dhonagoda river.
