Tk33,000cr bridges to link Bhola and Chandpur with mainland by 2033
Korea keen on financing, Japanese loan is also expected for the $3.1b ventures
Highlights:
- Bangladesh seeks $3.1B from Korea, Japan for two bridges
- Bhola-Barishal bridge to be nation's longest, boosting GDP 0.86%
- Shariatpur-Chandpur bridge cuts Khulna–Chattogram distance by 90km
- Both bridges aim to finish by 2032–2033
- Korea's EDCF offers ultra-low interest loans, requiring Korean contractors
- Japan, Korea expected to provide joint financing under PPP
Bangladesh is seeking Tk33,423 crore ($3.1 billion) in funding from Korea and Japan for two monumental bridge projects that will significantly enhance regional connectivity and boost the economy. The projects, once funded, are expected to be completed by 2033.
Preliminary project proposals were submitted to the Planning Commission on 25 June.
The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the preliminary project proposals. Meanwhile, a PPPP review for the Meghna bridge construction was held on 4 August.
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Bhola-Barishal bridge
The largest of the two projects is the Bhola-Barishal bridge, with an estimated cost of Tk17,466 crore. At 10.86km long, it will be the country's longest bridge, providing a permanent and reliable road link for the island district of Bhola with the mainland at Barishal. A 2024 feasibility study predicts the bridge will attract investment, create jobs, and contribute 0.86% to the GDP over 30 years. It will also facilitate natural gas transmission from Bhola to the national grid. Officials anticipate a completion date of 2033. The Japanese firm Miyagawa Construction Limited has shown interest in financing this project.
Shariatpur-Chandpur bridge
The second project is the Shariatpur-Chandpur bridge, an 8km structure over the Meghna River. Estimated to cost Tk15,957 crore, this bridge will directly connect 21 south-western districts with 11 south-eastern districts. It will provide a crucial alternative to the current unreliable ferry system and reduce the distance between Khulna and Chattogram by approximately 90km, easing traffic congestion in Dhaka. The bridge is planned to be built at the Horina Ferry Ghat in Chandpur and will connect to Sakhipur in Shariatpur, with a target completion date of 2032. In 2021, the Bridge Authority appointed an international consulting firm for the project, and the survey report was completed last year.
South Korea has expressed strong interest in financing this project through its Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), which offers highly concessional loans. Japan has also been approached and showed initial interest in a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. Officials are hoping for joint financing for both projects.
Funding & outlook
Due to the projects' high cost, the Bridges Division is seeking joint financing from development partners. Korea's EDCF loan, with a low interest rate of 0.01% to 0.05% and a repayment period of up to 40 years, is a highly favourable option, though it requires the use of Korean contractors.
Japan has also been approached for loans for both bridge projects. The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the proposals, and the Korean authorities have specifically requested the proposal for the Meghna bridge for their loan decision.
Quazi Muhammad Ferdous, chief engineer of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, told TBS, "Joint financing is possible, and the ERD has been requested to ensure loans under favourable conditions," he said, expenses could rise once detailed designs are completed.
