Second Jamuna Bridge among key projects promised in BNP's election manifesto: Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today (15 June) said in the parliament that the construction of second Jamuna Bridge is one of the notable projects committed in the election manifesto of BNP-led government.

The project aims to reduce pressure on the existing bridge and improve connectivity between northern Bangladesh and other parts of the country.

Responding to a tabled question from ruling party lawmaker Md Mustafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3) in the House, he said the proposed "Second Jamuna Bridge Construction Project" is one of the major commitments included in the current government's election manifesto.

With Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair, he informed parliament that the master plan of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority has recommended implementation of the bridge by 2033.

"According to the master plan of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority under the Bridges Division, implementation of the bridge has been recommended by 2033," he added.

Rabiul said preparations are currently underway to appoint a consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the project.

"Activities are now in progress to appoint a consultant for carrying out the feasibility study of the proposed bridge. Negotiations with the selected consulting firm have already been completed and a contract will be signed shortly," he told the House.

He said a feasibility study will examine several potential alignments for the bridge.

The possible routes include a bridge over the Jamuna River connecting Sariakandi upazila in Bogura district with Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur district.

Another option under consideration is a bridge linking Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha district with Bahdurabad Ghat in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur across the Jamuna River.

"A third option could be any other suitable corridor identified through the feasibility study," he continued.

The minister said that after completion of the feasibility study, the government would finalise the alignment and undertake the necessary follow-up measures for implementation of the bridge project.

"Following completion of the feasibility study, necessary subsequent actions, including finalisation of the alignment and construction of the bridge, will be taken," he added.

The proposed bridge is expected to play a crucial role in easing traffic congestion on the existing Jamuna Bridge and further strengthening transport links between the northern region and the rest of the country.