The government is planning to construct a second Padma Bridge by 2032, a second Jamuna Bridge by 2033, and a Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway to meet future transport demand, in line with its electoral commitments.
According to a report by The Business Standard, the information emerged from a March 1 meeting between the Bridges Division and the Ministry of Finance, where the 2026–27 budget estimates and projected expenditures for the following two fiscal years were discussed.
Second Padma Bridge
The Bridges Division is currently assessing the feasibility of constructing the second Padma Bridge in the Paturia–Daulatdia corridor. The proposed bridge, approximately 4.9 km long, would connect Paturia and Goalanda and link with national highways N5 and N7.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to establish direct connectivity between Dhaka and the western and south-western regions, improving access to major land ports like Benapole and Darshana and the Mongla seaport.
Second Jamuna Bridge
To ease congestion on the existing Jamuna Bridge, which remains effectively four lanes despite upgraded approach roads, the government is considering a second bridge.
Three possible corridors are under study:
- Bogura–Jamalpur route
- Balasi Ghat (Gaibandha) to Dewanganj Ghat (Jamalpur)
- Other suitable routes
Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf said:
“Vehicles move quickly on the six-lane approach roads but slow down near the narrow bridge. We are now assessing where and how a second Jamuna Bridge can be built.”
Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway
Officials described the proposed Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway as “highly urgent,” noting that more than 30,000 vehicles use the route daily, with traffic increasing steadily.
The project aims to ensure high-speed travel, reduced journey time, and improved trade and logistics, especially by strengthening connectivity with Chattogram Port and key transport corridors.
The secretary added:
“This expressway is the lifeline of the economy. It will ensure faster movement for imports, exports, and goods transport.”
The expressway may be developed as an elevated route, in coordination with the Roads and Highways Department, and connected to the Mawa Expressway via an outer ring road.
Funding and Planning
Final decisions on project costs will be made after feasibility studies, determining whether projects will be funded through government financing, foreign loans, or public-private partnerships (PPP).
The Bridges Division has identified five priority sectors for 2026–27, including:
- Large bridges, tunnels, and infrastructure expansion
- Elevated expressways
- Maintenance and modernization
- Construction of approach roads
- Land acquisition and rehabilitation
Currently, the division has 57 ongoing and planned projects, with a total estimated cost of Tk 12.96 lakh crore.
Source : The Business Standard
