The construction work of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge, one of the country's mega projects over the Jamuna river is visible now. The construction work of this bridge is progressing at a fast pace at both sides of Tangail and Sirajganj. In all, about 61 percent of the work has been completed.
It was known that the construction cost of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge, including the design, was initially estimated at Tk 9,734.07 cr. After the first round of DPP revision, the construction cost of the bridge has increased by Tk 7,047 cr to about Tk 16,780.96 cr.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the foundation stone through video conferencing on November 29, 2020. The project is expected to be completed by August 2024. The construction work of Bangabandhu Railway Bridge is underway on the 300-meter north side over Jamuna river. Hundreds of workers are doing various jobs. A total of 30.73 km of railway line including 0.05 km viaduct, 7.67 km railway approach embankment and loop and siding will be constructed on both sides of the 4.80-km railway bridge, including dual gauge double track. 49 spans will sit on 50 pillars of the railway bridge. The work of 32 pillars has already been completed and 22 spans also set up. In all, 61 per cent of the project work has been completed. Japanese IHI, SMCC, Obayashi Corporation, JFE and TOA Corporation are implementing the work.
Samiul Islam, side engineer of Over Engineering Construction Limited, said work is being done in Sirajganj and Tangail sections with the tireless works. The railway authorities are satisfied with our work. So far, none of our workers or officers have suffered any major injuries. Hopefully, the work will be completed before the scheduled time.
Engineer Md Rabiul Alam said the Bangabandhu railway bridge will open new horizons in the field of road connectivity between Dhaka and North Bengal. After the completion of the dual gauge double track bridge, at least 88 trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 kilometers per day. This will make it easier for people to travel as well as open many doors of possibilities in trade and commerce with North Bengal. If the work continues in this way, it will be possible to inaugurate the bridge within the predetermined time.
JH
