DHAKA: The Jamuna River is set to host its first-ever double line dual gauge railway bridge, projected to open in late January 2025. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to significantly boost Bangladesh’s railway capacity and connectivity, with construction now over 98 percent complete, according to officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Project Director Al Fattah Md Masudur Rahman confirmed the completion of the main bridge and detailed the project’s progress. The bridge spans 4.8 kilometers, while the total distance from the east to west railway stations is approximately 13 kilometers. The project director noted that all tests, including static load measurements, have been successfully conducted, paving the way for commercial operations expected to commence in early 2025.
The 4.8-kilometer-long bridge is set to become the largest dedicated rail bridge in Bangladesh, constructed at a cost of Tk 16,780.95 crore. Of this budget, Tk 13,000 crore was earmarked for the main bridge and associated works. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) contributed around Tk 12,000 crore, with the Bangladesh government providing the remaining funds. Two Japanese joint-venture firms have been at the forefront of the construction efforts since the project’s inception in 2016.
The dual-gauge double-track bridge, situated 300 meters upstream of the existing Bangabandhu Bridge, also includes a gas pipeline facility. Initially approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council in December 2016 at a projected cost of Tk 9,734 crore, the project has faced delays. Physical work commenced in August 2020, with foundational work beginning in March 2021.
The new bridge is anticipated to positively impact Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth. It will enable Bangladesh Railway to operate more trains between the capital and the country’s western regions, thus reducing train delays. The bridge’s design accommodates up to 88 trains daily, a significant increase from the 22 trains that can currently traverse the single line dual gauge Bangabandhu Bridge.