Posted on 23rd Oct 2026 11:28:28 PM Paragraph
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge is a dream project for the millions of people in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. The Bridge is a landmark two-level road-rail steel truss bridge in Country that connects Louhajong, Munshiganj to Shariatpur and Madaripur, linking the southwestern region of the country with the northern and eastern regions. Prior to the opening of the bridge, these districts were cut off from the country's major economic centre, the Dhaka-Chattogram economic corridor. Ferries, launches and boats were the only means of communication and transport on the Padma River to the southwestern districts. This form of transport was not only uncertain but was also time-consuming. Due to poor connectivity, economic operations in the southwestern zone have not been too easy. Consequently, the districts did not seize much industrialization. As a result, poverty and under-employment constitute major problems in the region. What is more, this region is strongly affected by climate change. Increased water salinity also has a major effect on agricultural production, and this area is particularly vulnerable to flooding. However, the Padma Bridge will offer many advantages to the region. It will connect the isolated 21 southwestern districts to the mainstream economy. It will also connect the port of Mongla and the port of Payra, respectively the second and third-largest ports in the country, with the capital. Enhanced connectivity will encourage investment in the region. Therefore, not only will the economy in the southwestern region prosper and create jobs, but the economy as a whole will grow. The Padma Multipurpose Bridge is estimated to boost the country's annual GDP by 1.23 per cent. Similarly, the southwestern region's GDP is projected to increase by 2.5 per cent. Length: 6.15 km (3.82 miles), Structure: Two-level steel truss bridge- Upper Level: Four-lane highway, Lower Level: Single-track dual-gauge railway line. Width: 18.10 m to 21.1 m, Spans: 41 spans (each roughly 150.12 meters long), Piling Depth: Up to 127 meters deep into the riverbed, representing some of the deepest piling work in the world, Utilities: Integrated provisions for natural gas, electricity, power transmission, and telecommunications. Cost: Approximately Tk. 301.93 billion (US$3.6 billion), completely funded by the Government of Bangladesh after the World Bank withdrew its initial funding commitment.
Padma, Multipurpose, Bridge, Mongla, Payra, Port, Economy, Bangladesh
Share on Facebook