The Padma Multipurpose Bridge, also known as the Padma Bridge, is a landmark project in Bangladesh. The bridge is a two-level road-rail bridge that spans the Padma River, which is the main distributary of the Ganges in Bangladesh. The bridge is a crucial link connecting the less developed southwest of the nation to the northern and eastern regions, giving the economy of the nation a much-needed boost.
Padma Bridge: Technical specifications
With a total length of 6.15 km, the Padma Bridge is the longest bridge in Bangladesh. It is regarded as the most difficult building project in the nation’s history. It is a steel truss bridge with a lower level single-track railway and an upper level four-lane highway. The bridge is made up of 41 sections, each of which is 22 metre (mt) (72 foot (ft)) wide and 150.12 mt (492.5 ft) long. With piles installed as deep as 127 mt, it has the highest pile depth of any bridge in the world, making it the deepest bridge ever built.
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Padma Bridge: Significance
The Padma Bridge is expected to provide the much-needed boost to the country’s economy. The bridge will serve as a critical link between the less developed southwest of the country and the northern and eastern regions, creating new opportunities for trade, commerce and economic growth.
The Padma Bridge’s construction was a challenging and complex project, requiring innovative engineering solutions to overcome the difficult conditions posed by the Padma River.
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Padma Bridge: Environmental impact and concerns
The construction of the Padma Bridge has raised several environmental concerns, particularly regarding the impact on the Padma River. The bridge’s construction has led to the loss of a significant amount of natural habitats, including wetlands and forests. The construction of the bridge has also affected the river’s water flow, leading to changes in the river’s ecosystem.
To mitigate these environmental concerns, several environmental safeguards have been put in place. The project’s environmental impact assessment has identified mitigation measures to reduce the impact on the environment, including the rehabilitation of affected habitats, the installation of sedimentation ponds to reduce the sediment load, and the planting of mangrove trees to stabilise river banks.
Padma Bridge: Challenges and controversies
The construction of the Padma Bridge has faced several challenges and controversies, leading to delays in the project’s completion. One of the most significant challenges was the funding and financing of the project, with several international organisations suspending funding due to corruption allegations.
The construction of the bridge has also faced several delays due to environmental concerns, with the project being temporarily suspended in 2015 due to concerns regarding the impact on the Padma River’s ecosystem. The project also faced several technical issues, including a crane collapse that led to the death of several workers.
The project has also faced political controversies, with opposition parties accusing the government of mismanagement and corruption in the project’s implementation. The controversies surrounding the project have led to delays in the project’s completion, causing significant economic and social costs.
FAQs
What is the purpose of building the Padma Bridge?
The Padma Bridge is being built to improve transportation connectivity in Bangladesh, particularly between the southwest region and the rest of the country. It is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and people, boost economic development, and improve access to basic services.
How long is the Padma Bridge?
The Padma Bridge spans across the Padma River for a distance of 6.15 km.
How can one reach the Padma Bridge?
The Padma Bridge can be reached via various modes of transportation. The nearest airport is the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, which is approximately 54 km from the bridge. One can also reach the bridge via train or bus from Dhaka or other nearby cities.
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