Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed officials to expedite plans for constructing a second Padma Bridge with a Y-shaped connectivity system, a second Jamuna Bridge prioritizing connectivity to Rangpur and other northern districts, and the Padma Barrage.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the directives were issued during a meeting with officials from relevant ministries and divisions at the Prime Minister's Office in Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting noted that feasibility studies for both the second Padma Bridge and the second Jamuna Bridge are currently underway. Final decisions regarding the locations, designs, and estimated costs of these bridges will be made after the completion of the studies in September next year.
The meeting discussed in detail the proposed Y-shaped connectivity system for the second Padma Bridge. For the second Jamuna Bridge, emphasis was placed on enhancing connectivity to Rangpur and the northern region. The second Padma Bridge is expected to facilitate communication between the capital and the southwestern region, while also providing an alternative connectivity network with Mongla Seaport and the Benapole and Darshana land ports.
Additionally, the Padma Barrage project was discussed, focusing on addressing water shortages during the dry season, boosting agricultural production, maintaining river flows and environmental balance, and exploring the potential for establishing road connectivity through the barrage. Issues related to project financing, land acquisition, rehabilitation, and coordination among relevant ministries and agencies were also addressed.
The meeting was attended by several ministers and high-ranking officials, including Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, among others.