Full structure of Padma Bridge becomes visible

With the installation of its last span, the long-awaited Padma Multipurpose Bridge has become fully visible.

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project (PMBP) authorities installed the 41st span of the 6.15km long bridge around 12.00pm on Thursday.

Dewan Md Abdul Quader, project manager (main bridge) and executive engineer, confirmed the news.

He said the 41st span (2-F) was put on the Piers (a platform installed above a pillar) 12 and 13 at the Mawa-end in Munshiganj. The multi-purpose Padma Bridge is expected to be opened in 2021.

Most of the spans were installed on Padma Bridge in October and November. The 40th span was installed on December 4.

Construction of the Padma Bridge began in December 2014. The first span was installed on the Piers 37 and 38 on September 30, 2017. Since then, 40 spans have been installed one after another.

The 6.15km long Padma Bridge is being built installing 41 spans (each 150 meters in length) on a total of 42 piers of the bridge.

China Major Bridge Engineering Construction Company has been constructing the main bridge, while Sinohydro Corporation of China has been doing the river training work. Abdul Monem Limited of Bangladesh has been constructing two approach roads of the Padma Bridge.

The Padma Bridge will be a two-storeyed double-deck bridge in shape. It is being built with concrete and steel. The bridge is likely to be opened for traffic in 2021.