As part of a roadmap to revolutionize the country’s communication infrastructure, the government is moving forward with three massive projects: a second Padma Bridge at the Paturia-Daulatdia point, a second Jamuna Bridge to eliminate northern traffic congestion, and a dedicated Dhaka-Chattogram Expressway.
According to documents from a high-level meeting between the Bridges Division and the Ministry of Finance held on March 1, these projects are being prioritized within the 2026-27 fiscal year budget projections.
The Second Padma Bridge
The Bridges Division’s master plan aims to complete the Paturia-Daulatdia link by 2032. The proposed 4.9-kilometer multipurpose bridge will connect Paturia and Goalanda, linking National Highways N5 and N7.
Officials expect the bridge to significantly reduce travel time between Dhaka and the western/southwestern regions, facilitating smoother freight transport from the Mongla seaport and the Benapole and Darshana land ports.
"A primary study is currently underway to determine the most profitable and effective site for the bridge," said Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Bridges Division. "While a previous study exists, we are conducting a fresh feasibility assessment to finalize whether it will connect Paturia-Goalanda or Aricha-Nagarbari."
Second Jamuna Bridge
With the approach roads for the current Jamuna Bridge being upgraded to six lanes, a bottleneck has formed at the bridge’s four-lane entry point. To resolve this, the government plans to construct an alternative bridge over the Jamuna River by 2033.
Feasibility studies are currently evaluating three potential routes:
- The Bogura-Jamalpur corridor.
- Balasi Ghat (Gaibandha) to Dewanganj Ghat (Jamalpur).
- Other suitable alternative locations.
Dhaka-Chattogram Elevated Expressway
To manage the heavy traffic flow on the nation's economic lifeline—which currently sees over 30,000 vehicles daily—the Bridges Division is planning a high-speed Elevated Expressway.
Unlike the Road Transport and Highways Division’s plan to widen the existing road to six lanes, the Bridges Division’s proposal focuses on an uninterrupted overhead route.
This expressway is intended to connect with the 'Outer Ring Circular' and the Mawa Expressway, creating a seamless logistics network for import-export goods between the east and west of the country.
Investment Outlook
The Bridges Division currently has 57 active and planned projects in its pipeline. The total estimated cost for this massive undertaking is 1,296,573 crore BDT, with the lion's share—1,259,925 crore BDT—earmarked for these upcoming mega-projects.
