The Padma Bridge. Our Padma Bridge

The *Padma Bridge* is a significant infrastructure project in Bangladesh, marking a milestone in the country's development. Officially inaugurated on *June 25, 2022**, it is the longest bridge in Bangladesh, spanning approximately **6.15 kilometers (3.82 miles)* over the Padma River. The bridge connects the *Mawa* point in Munshiganj district to *Jajira* in Shariatpur district, reducing travel time between Dhaka and the southwestern part of the country.
Key Features of the Padma Bridge:
1. *Type:* It is a multi-purpose road-rail bridge, featuring both a four-lane highway on the upper deck and a single-track railway on the lower deck.
2. *Cost:* The total construction cost was around **$3.87 billion**, and it was entirely funded by the Bangladeshi government, a major point of pride for the nation, as external financial institutions like the World Bank initially withdrew from the project.
3. *Economic Impact:* The bridge is expected to significantly boost the economy by facilitating faster transport of goods and people. It will enhance connectivity between the capital, Dhaka, and 21 districts in the southern and southwestern regions of the country.
4. *Engineering:* The bridge was a massive engineering challenge due to the depth and complexity of the Padma River. Strong river currents and shifting sand beds made construction difficult. The bridge was designed by **AECOM**, while construction was primarily done by the **China Major Bridge Engineering Company (MBEC)**.
5. *Social Impact:* It is projected to accelerate economic growth by an estimated **1.2%**, reduce poverty, and improve access to health, education, and markets in the underdeveloped regions it connects.
The Padma Bridge is seen as a symbol of Bangladesh's self-reliance and ambitious development goals.