# Government Moves to Build Second Padma and Jamuna Bridges, Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway

> The government plans a second Padma Bridge by 2032, a second Jamuna Bridge by 2033, and a Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway to meet future transport demand. Feasibility studies are underway for bridge locations and costs, con…

Published: 2026-03-30 · Desk: Latest · Source: Bangladesh Protidin

The government is planning major infrastructure projects, including a second Padma Bridge by 2032, a second Jamuna Bridge by 2033, and the construction of the Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway to meet future transportation demands, in line with the BNP’s election commitments.

The Bridges Division is currently assessing the feasibility of constructing the new Padma Bridge in the Paturia–Daulatdia area. For the second Jamuna Bridge, possible routes under consideration include the Bogura–Jamalpur corridor, the Balasi Ghat (Gaibandha) to Dewanganj Ghat route, or any other suitable location.

These details emerged from a meeting held on March 1 between the Bridges Division and the Ministry of Finance, where discussions focused on budget estimates for the 2026–27 fiscal year and projected expenditures for the following two fiscal years.

Officials stated that the BNP’s election manifesto included commitments to these three major projects, and the Bridges Division has taken initiatives to implement them accordingly.

Bridges Division Secretary Mohammad Abdur Rouf said that although the connecting roads of the Jamuna Bridge have been upgraded to six lanes, traffic slows down near the bridge due to its limited capacity. Therefore, a feasibility study has begun to determine the location, length, and cost of a second Jamuna Bridge.

After finalizing the location, the cost will be estimated to decide whether the project will be funded entirely by the government, through foreign financing, or under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Regarding the second Padma Bridge, he noted that a primary study has already started based on the government’s master plan to complete the Paturia–Goalanda link by 2032. The proposed bridge, approximately 4.9 kilometers long, will connect Paturia and Goalanda and link with National Highways N5 and N7. Once completed, it will improve direct connectivity between the capital and the western and southwestern regions, as well as enhance access to key land ports such as Benapole and Darshana and the Mongla seaport.

Officials also highlighted that over 30,000 vehicles currently use the Dhaka–Chattogram route daily, with traffic expected to increase further. To meet future demand, the Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway has been identified as a critical infrastructure project.

The Bridges Division emphasized that the expressway will significantly reduce travel time and improve the efficiency of transportation, boosting trade, goods movement, and overall economic activity. It will also strengthen connectivity with Chattogram Port and major land routes, making the logistics system more efficient.

Secretary Rouf described the expressway as the “lifeline of the economy.” While the Roads and Highways Department plans to expand the existing road to six lanes, the Bridges Division aims to construct an elevated expressway to ensure faster traffic flow. The final decision will be made in consultation with the Roads and Highways Department.

He added that efficient connectivity for import-export and cargo movement is essential, and the Dhaka–Chattogram Expressway will help achieve that. It is also planned to be linked with the Mawa Expressway through the Outer Ring Circular to connect the eastern and western parts of the country.

According to the Bridges Division, constructing second bridges over the Jamuna and Padma rivers will further enhance regional connectivity. The existing Padma Bridge is already connected to Asian Highway-1, while the Jamuna Bridge is linked to Asian Highway-2 and AH41.

For the 2026–27 fiscal year, the Bridges Division has prioritized five key areas: the construction and expansion of large bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure; construction of elevated expressways and related structures; maintenance, repair, and modernization of bridges, tunnels, and expressways; construction and maintenance of approach roads; and land acquisition and rehabilitation for large infrastructure projects.

Currently, there are 57 ongoing and planned projects under the Bridges Division, with a total estimated cost of 1,296,573 crore taka. Of this, 36,648 crore taka will be spent on ongoing projects, while 1,259,925 crore taka is projected for future projects.

Notable ongoing projects include the Support to Dhaka Elevated Expressway project, the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway project, the Panchabati to Muktarpur Bridge road widening and double-decker road project, the Payra Bridge construction project, and the Meghna–Dhonagoda River Bridge construction project.

Original reporting: https://www.bd-pratidin.com/national/2026/03/29/1232572
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