Impact of Padma Bridge in the future Economy of Bangladesh - Focus Writing on Padma Bridge

Impact of Padma Bridge in the future Economy of Bangladesh - Focus Writing on Padma Bridge

Introduction:

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge is the longest bridge in Bangladesh. On June 25, 2022, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s largest infrastructure. The bridge constructed with concrete and steel. This dream Padma Bridge is the biggest project implemented by Bangladesh without any foreign aid.

Importance of Padma Bridge in Geographical Context:

Bangladesh is a riverine country. There are innumerable rivers flowing through this country. That is why we always have to take shelter from waterways in the transportation system. This has led to delays and slow speeds in the transport system. Bridges are needed to make this transportation system dynamic. If there is a bridge, just as the transportation system of the people on both sides of the river improves, so does the quality of life of the people improve as trade and commerce improve.

Background to the construction of the Padma Bridge:

The Padma Bridge is a long-cherished dream of the people of the southern part of the country. That is why the people of this region have been urging different governments at different times to implement their demands for independence in North Bangladesh. Finally, considering the potential of this bridge, the initiative was taken in 1998 to build the first bridge. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid in 2001 after the survey was verified. But the future of the bridge is in doubt due to a lack of funds. Later, the Padma Bridge project started in 2006. Later in 2011 the Awami League government came to power and connected the railway to this bridge.

Obstacles and Capabilities of Bangladesh:

The construction of the Padma Bridge is the largest project in North Bangladesh. This project has faced various obstacles at different times. After 2009, when the World Bank expressed interest in financing the Padma Bridge, a 1.20 billion loan agreement was signed with them. But after the World Bank canceled the loan agreement in 2012, the Padma Bridge project faced uncertainty. Later, the government announced the construction of the Padma bridge with its own funds. The work of the Padma bridge overcame the obstacles of the conspiracy; The dream Padma Bridge became visible with its own funds.

Description of Padma Bridge:

Once completed, the Padma Bridge will be the longest bridge in Bangladesh. The length of the main bridge will be 6.15 km and the width will be 21.10 m. This bridge will have two floors; Vehicles will run up and trains will run down. The bridge will be constructed with concrete and steel. A 12 km connecting road will be constructed on both sides of the bridge. China's Sinhidro Corporation has got a job in river management. Abdul Mamen Limited of Bangladesh has been given the task of developing roads and infrastructure connecting the two sides. Bangladesh Army, BUET, and Korea Expressway Corporation and Associates will oversee the construction of the bridge. 14 new stations will be constructed in the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project and 6 existing stations will be developed and constructed in infrastructure. There are 14 new stations: Keraniganj, Nimatla, Srinagar, Mawa, Jajira, Shibchar, Bhanga Junction, Nagarkanda, Muksudpur, Maheshpur, Lahagarh, Narail, Jamdia, and Padma Beel. Besides, there are 6 stations for infrastructure development: Dhaka, Gandaria, Bhanga, Kashani, Rupdia, and Singia. There will be 42 pillars on the main bridge. There will be 40 pillars in the river and 2 pillars on both sides of the river. The 40 pillars inside the river will have 8 mats and 240 piles. Besides, there will be 24 piles of 12 mats on each of the two pillars on both sides of the bridge. 41 spans will be placed on the pillars. Sealy color The color of the Padma bridge will be Senali as it absorbs less heat from the sun. The work on the main bridge has been awarded to China Major Bridge Engineering Company Limited. The construction of this bridge was supposed to be completed in 2020, which will last for 100 years.

Possible cost of construction of Padma bridge:

In 2008, the then caretaker government passed the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project worth Tk 10,161 crore. Then in 2011, the revised cost of the project was set at Tk 20,506 crore. Then in 2016, the cost of construction of the Padma Bridge was revised for the second time. At that time the probable cost was fixed at Tk 26,793 crore. Initially, the Padma Bridge was to be built with the joint funding of the World Bank, ADB, JICA, IDB, and the Government of Bangladesh. But when the World Bank withdrew from the Padma Bridge project in 2012, the Bangladesh government decided to build the Padma Bridge with its own funds.

Economic importance of Padma bridge:

The economic importance of the Padma Bridge is far-reaching. If this bridge is constructed, the fate of the people of about 21 districts in the southwest of the country will change. Because the people of this region will be directly connected with the capital through this bridge, the economy will be dynamic. The importance of the Padma Bridge in the economy of Bangladesh is highlighted below: -

Importance of Padma Bridge in the field of the industry: 

If the Padma Bridge is constructed, there will be a direct connection between the southwestern part of the country and the north-eastern part. As a result, new industries will be created in this region. Moreover, the seaport of Payra will be the center of this bridge. As a result, new industrial factories will be set up for the convenience of business.

Importance of Padma Bridge in Agriculture: 

At present, the people of the region are deprived of a fair price for their produce as the communication system between the South-West and the North-East is not good. As a result of the construction of the bridge, the transportation system will be dynamic. As a result, the crops produced by the farmers of that region will easily reach different parts of the country. The farmers will get a fair price for the crop. In addition, the use of new technologies in agriculture will be easier. As a result, production will increase.

Impact of Padma Bridge on Poverty Alleviation: 

The Padma Bridge will play an important role in alleviating the poverty of the people in the southwestern region of the country. As a result of the construction of this bridge, the transportation system will be improved and industrial establishments will be established there. The result will be employment for many people. Moreover, people in the area can easily go to other places for work. This will provide employment to the unemployed.

Negative effects of Padma bridge:

Although the Padma Bridge has many positive aspects, it also has some negative effects. The implementation of the Padma Bridge project will provide employment to some people on both sides of the river. The business of the launch owners engaged in river crossing will be abolished. Moreover, there will be a downturn in the business of small traders such as shopkeepers, porters, etc. at the launches and ferries crossing the bridge using the bridge. However, besides the implementation of the Padma Bridge project, if the government makes arrangements for the rehabilitation of these affected people, it is possible to overcome the negative effects of the Padma Bridge.

The role of Padma Bridge in balancing the environment:

The riverbank is being obstructed in large areas on both sides of the river centered on the Padma Bridge project. As a result, river erosion will be stopped in that area. Besides, trees are being planted on both sides of the river and on both sides of the connecting road. This will have a positive impact on the environment of these areas. As a result of greening, the area will be protected from desertification. At present, people in the south use wood as fuel for deforestation. But through the Padma Bridge project, electricity and gas will be provided at that place. This will meet the energy needs of the people. This will reduce deforestation and protect the balance of the environment.

Conclusion:

Padma Bridge is a dream name of the people of Bangladesh, which will change the face of the country's economy. As a result of this bridge, a large number of industries will be set up in the southern part of the country - factories, garments, godowns, etc. The business will gain new momentum in trade. Overcoming various uncertainties, the dream of Bengalis with their own money is now on the way to reality. This bridge will soon change the economy of the country, will improve the lives of the people.