Shariatpur–Chandpur Bridge project gains momentum with foreign funding

Highlights:

• Bridge to be Bangladesh's longest cable-stayed structure at 8.04km
• South Korea and Japan show interest in funding the bridge
• Feasibility study greenlights bridge as cost-efficient and sustainable
• Project cost estimated at Tk15,957 crore with completion by 2033
• Land acquisition underway to expand connecting roads

The government has moved a step closer to constructing the country's largest cable-stayed bridge on the Shariatpur–Chandpur river route, as South Korea and Japan have expressed interest in financing the project following completion of the feasibility study.

The proposed Shariatpur–Chandpur Bridge, measuring 8.04 kilometres in length, will be the longest of its kind in Bangladesh.

Officials said the project, estimated to cost Tk15,957 crore, will be completed by 2033 and contribute 0.76% to the national economy.

According to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, the structure will include a 2,100-metre cable-stayed section with spans of 700, 400, and 300 metres, a design aimed at ensuring navigability of the Meghna River.

At 30 metres above the water level, the bridge will allow the uninterrupted passage of river vessels.

Md Bhikharuddoula Chowdhury, director (planning and development) of the Bridge Authority, said the project has been carefully designed to balance environmental and economic considerations.

"This project will be a new milestone in Bangladesh. It will be the largest bridge to be built in the country, with about 8 kilometres of approach roads at both ends," he said.

He added that the feasibility study confirmed the bridge as both environmentally sustainable and cost-efficient, requiring less land acquisition while incorporating the recommendations of domestic and foreign experts.

Secretary of the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Bridges Mohammad Abdur Rouf stressed the importance of external support for the project. 

"The government's target is to establish connectivity. In the interest of the economy and communication, this bridge will be profitable for the country. If built, it will contribute 0.76% to the national economy. We are not going to build the bridge with the country's money—it is in the pipeline of our friendly country, South Korea's EDCF. In addition, it is also included in the Seven Platform meeting of Japan," he said.

Connectivity and economic impact

The bridge, running from Shariatpur's Sakhipur to Chandpur's Harina, will connect 32 districts across four divisions, benefiting around 5.89 crore people directly.

Officials said it will bring a revolutionary change to road communication by linking four major ports, including Chattogram and Mongla, and reducing traffic pressure on Dhaka by shortening routes by up to 70 kilometres.

The bridge division began its survey work in 2022, examining soil quality, river erosion, biodiversity, and navigability. Results were positive, allowing preparations for construction to move forward.

Currently, thousands of passengers and vehicles rely on ferries and engine-driven boats to cross the Shariatpur–Chandpur river route.

Only four ageing ferries serve the area, creating long delays. Congestion worsens during inclement weather, while the transport of goods often faces costly disruptions.

Truck driver Idris Mia, who regularly carries goods from Mongla Port to Chattogram, welcomed the update.

"We have been waiting for this bridge for years. I cannot describe how much we suffer while crossing by ferry. Sometimes we wait for two or three hours, and shipments are cancelled. If the bridge is built, the suffering will end," he said.

Businessman Delwar Bepari expressed similar views, highlighting the potential boost for trade.

"If the bridge is built, the ports will be connected. The days of having to go around Dhaka will end. Distance will be reduced, time will be saved, and business will gain momentum. Businessmen in the western and eastern parts of the southern region will see new opportunities. Now, I am just wondering when the waiting will end," he said.

Officials said the bridge is expected to stimulate trade and transport by reducing travel distance by about 67 kilometres and significantly cutting costs and delays.

Improved connections between seaports, land ports, and inland waterways will give import–export activities fresh momentum.

To complement the project, the Roads and Highways Department has begun preparing for road expansion.

Land acquisition is underway to convert existing roads into four-lane highways, ensuring the bridge connects seamlessly with major transport corridors.

Development partners said the project would also help unlock new economic zones and foster industrial growth.

By improving mobility between the south-western and south-eastern regions, the bridge is expected to create opportunities for millions of people, particularly in trade and transport.

While construction is scheduled to conclude in 2033, officials stressed that preparatory work is already progressing.

With funding negotiations advancing and feasibility work completed, authorities described the project as one of the most transformative infrastructure initiatives in Bangladesh's history.