The government is planning to build the country's longest bridge over the Tentulia River to connect the island district of Bhola with Barisal. The initial cost of the 10 km long Bhola Bridge has been estimated at around Tk 13,000 crore. However, this cost may increase further once the design of the bridge is finalized.
The eastern part of Barisal division is Bhola district. The Tentulia River separates this district from the mainland. The only way to reach this district with an area of about 3,400 sq km is by river. It takes about two hours by launch and about 40 minutes by speed boat from Barisal to Veduria in Bhola. It takes about 30 minutes to travel from Veduria to Bhola Sadar Upazila.
If this four-lane long bridge is constructed, 22 districts of Dhaka, Khulna and Barisal divisions will come under direct road connection with the capital. The most benefits can be found in traveling between Bhola and Barisal. Moreover, it will be easier to supply gas from Bhola.
The country's economy will gain new momentum if the Bhola Bridge is built. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth will increase by at least 1.2 percent. The per capita income, education, medical and civic amenities of the region will increase. It will also add a new dimension to the economic contribution of the Padma Bridge.
The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) said it had conducted a survey for the construction of the bridge and determined the possible location of the bridge. There is no technical problem in the construction of this bridge. This bridge will make a major contribution to economic activities through groundbreaking development in the communication system.
According to a report on the feasibility survey of the bridge, the transport of passengers and goods from Bhola is dependent on boats and launches, which is affecting the socio-economic development of the district. If there is a problem in the operation of the ferry due to hostile weather, sometimes everyone has to face the problem of bringing and taking goods.
According to the Ministry of Planning, the government has given policy approval for the construction of the bridge. The decision was taken after a preliminary verification of the DPP sent by the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.
Planning Minister MA Mannan said the government was giving more importance to communication infrastructure. As a result, Padma Bridge has been constructed with its own funds. The government wants to build bridges where they are needed. The government has already decided to build the Bhola bridge. The construction of this bridge will revolutionize the communication infrastructure of the whole country including the southern region.
According to the DPP of Bhola Bridge, the bridge will be long from Veduria Ferry Ghat in Bhola to Laharghat Ferry Ghat in Barisal. The 10 km long bridge will go up to about three km in Sreepur Char in the form of a high road. The main bridge will be 8.64 km long. The connecting bridge will be 1.064 km and the connecting road will be 2 km. The river bank protection activities will continue for four kilometers. 486 hectares of land to be acquired.
Once the construction of the bridge is completed in 2024, it will be able to run 6,990 motor vehicles daily. However, the authorities are expecting the movement of 57 thousand motor vehicles in phases.
The concerned people said that unprecedented development has been achieved in the infrastructure of the country during the tenure of the present government. The Awami League government has no alternative to continue this trend of development of the country.
