PM Orders to Advance Second Padma and Jamuna Bridges, Padma Barrage Plans
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to advance plans for a second Padma Bridge, a second Jamuna Bridge and the Padma Barrage. The projects aim to improve regional connectivity and address dry-season water shortages.
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In a Nutshell
- Feasibility studies for the two bridges are underway. Decisions on their locations, designs and estimated costs are expected after the studies finish in September 2027, according to the meeting’s account.
- A Y-shaped connection system is being considered for the second Padma Bridge, with the aim of improving southwestern connectivity and providing alternative routes to Mongla seaport and the Benapole and Darshana land ports.
- Planning for the second Jamuna Bridge focuses on better connections for Rangpur and other northern districts.
- The Padma Barrage is being considered to address dry-season water shortages, support agriculture and river flows, and potentially provide a road crossing. Financing, land acquisition and rehabilitation were also discussed.
Context
The directives advance the proposals in the planning process; they do not constitute final construction approval. The feasibility studies will help establish where the bridges could deliver the greatest benefits and whether the expected gains justify their costs. The barrage is a separate water-management project, even though road connectivity is among its proposed benefits.
Why It Matters
The Padma Bridge reduced transportation time from several hours to just a few minutes, improving connections between the capital and southwestern regions and supporting economic activity there. The Jamuna Bridge reduced transportation costs by more than 30% and shipping times by over 50%. Additional bridges could extend these benefits further. A Y-shaped connection system is being considered for the second Padma Bridge, while planning for the second Jamuna Bridge focuses on improving connectivity for Rangpur and other northern districts.
What We Think
BNP government’s broader ambition to improve connectivity and support regional development is praiseworthy. But transparency is needed to turn that ambition into credible projects. Infrastructure built during the Awami League era delivered real benefits, but allegations of serious corruption undermined confidence in public spending. Publishing feasibility studies, disclosing contracts and financing terms, and independently reviewing costs could help the BNP government build public trust in its mega projects.