“The Padma Bridge”

Introduction: The Padma Bridge is a multipurpose road-rail bridge across the Padma river to be constructed in Bangladesh. When completed it will be the largest bridge in Bangladesh and the first fixed river crossing for road traffic. It will connect Louhagonj, Munshingonj to Shariatpur and Madaripur linking the south-west of the country, to northern and eastern regions. The total area of land to be acquired and required for its components is 918 hectares. The requisition of land for the construction yard will be for six years on a rental basis. As per the new design, an additional 144.04. hectares has been identified for acquisition bringing the total to 1062.14 hectares. 

Benefit on economy: Reliable infrastructure plays a key role in economic growth. Studies have found positive relationship between infrastructure and economic output in many countries. This happens through gross domestic capital formation, employment, trade and human capital. Good infrastructure enhances productive capacity and improves competitiveness of a country. There is ample evidence that infrastructure and output are mutually beneficial. That is, infrastructure boosts output and higher output also leads to better infrastructure. The Padma Bridge is estimated to increase the GDP of the country by more than one percent. It will benefit about three crore people cross 21 south-western districts of Bangladesh. These districts will be connected with the growth Centres through better connectivity. They can be used as economic corridors. This will create Opportunities for employment and income. The transportation system will be improved as movement Of people will be enhanced. Supply chains within the country will be connected better. Goods and Services will move smoothly from one place to another. People from the south-western parts of the Country are also expected to have better access to education, healthcare and other services. Not only will people move to the urban areas easily, opportunities will also come to the rural areas. This will change the rural economy which is already undergoing transformation. The share of the agriculture sector to the GDP of the country has declined significantly with the emergence of non-farm activities in the rural areas. This was facilitated by several factors including better communication and connectivity. 

Undoubtedly, the construction of this 6.15 kilometre long double-deck bridge has enhanced the confidence of the country. This will allow policymakers to plan for larger infrastructure. This will also encourage foreign investors to invest in infrastructure and in other sectors in Bangladesh. 

Conclusion: We can say in fine, that the government step to construct the Padma Bridge despite turning down of World Bank in financing is a brave decision which carried praise from home and abroad. But the government needs to maintain transparency and efficiency in each and every process of building the bridge as the bridge is being built with the people's hard-earned money.