New Doors to The Southwest Will Open, Long Waits Will End

The launch of the first Padma Bridge in Munshiganj's Mawa has brought a revolutionary change to road communications between Dhaka and the southwestern part of the country. However, the suffering of a large population those are using the Paturia-Daulatdia water route in Manikganj and Rajbari has not been addressed.

A largr number of people from parts of the northwest, including Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, and Pabna, are still dependent on ferry to pass through this route. When ferry services get slower or suspended due to adverse weather, hundreds of passengers in freight trucks and buses face extreme misery. To alleviate this, the demand for the construction of a second Padma Bridge is gaining momentum once again. Recently, new correspondence between high-up of the government regarding this has started at the high levels of the new government.

Afroza Khanam, the Member of Parliament from the riverine district of Manikganj and the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, sent a letter to the Ministry of Bridges on March 29, requesting measures for the construction of this bridge. This is essentially a part of implementing the current government’s election pledges and fulfilling the dream of the late former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Although the pre-feasibility study began in 1998, its progress had stalled in the interim. Following the 13th parliamentary elections, it has now returned to the center of discussion.

The length of the proposed bridge could be over 6 kilometers. There is a possibility of it being a double-decker structure including a rail link. This would reduce the hours of waiting to cross the river, completing the journey in just 5 to 10 minutes.

If built, the bridge will save two to three hours of travel time for 21 districts. Direct connections will be established between Dhaka and the regions of Faridpur, Jessore, and Kushtia. Consequently, raw materials from these agriculture-dependent areas will reach Dhaka faster. The increased speed of goods transportation will boost the national GDP. Additionally, the availability of gas connections will lead to the establishment of local factories and employment opportunities.

In the past, many accidents occurred during ferry crossings at the Paturia-Daulatdia terminals. The bridge would reduce the risk of loss of life. Furthermore, it would ease pressure on the Dhaka-Aricha highway and serve as a strong alternative route to the Bangabandhu Bridge. In this context, there are indications of fresh surveys and discussions from high government circles and the Bridge Division regarding the necessity of constructing the second Padma Bridge.

In her letter to the Ministry of Communication, Afroza Khanam mentioned, "The construction of this bridge is an election manifesto of the BNP and a promise of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. If this bridge is built, the communication system for the people of the southern region will be further simplified. Moreover, this bridge will play a vital role in expanding trade and commerce and establishing new industrial enterprises in this region."

The pre-feasibility study for creating a Padma bridge for the people of the southern region began in 1998. That study took a physical form with the inauguration of the bridge on June 25, 2022, spanning a period of 24 years.

Immediately after the inauguration of the first Padma Bridge, the issue of constructing a second Padma Bridge came into discussion. Its preliminary survey began during the tenure of the then Awami League government and was supposed to be completed by June 2024. However, it did not progress further during that administration's term.
Currently, people from Greater Faridpur, Jessore, and Kushtia cross the Padma River via ferry from the Daulatdia terminal to the Paturia side. Generally, based on the time required for vehicle loading, unloading, and docking, crossing the river takes at least one hour. Furthermore, when ferry services are suspended due to dense fog, passengers must wait for hours on end. However, if a bridge is constructed, this travel time will be reduced to just 5 to 10 minutes.

During Eid festivals in particular, passengers from this region often return home at the risk of their lives. They are forced to cross the turbulent Padma despite the dangers.

Following the current government’s election pledges, many people in this region are now hopeful that a bridge will finally be built on the Daulatdia-Paturia route. One such resident, Dr. Mahmud from Sonapur village in Rajbari's Baliakandi, told Agamir Somoy, "If the bridge is built, there will be significant progress in our communication system. Additionally, gas will be supplied to our region through the bridge. As a result, various industries will be established here, creating new employment opportunities. This will bring about major changes in social, political, and cultural spheres."

The realization of this bridge is a beacon of hope for the people of the southwest. They believe that once the second Padma Bridge is completed, it will save time and reduce the risks associated with crossing the river. Simultaneously, the bridge will have a positive impact on their education, trade, and standard of living, opening a massive door of opportunity for them.

Mosharraf Hossain from Kushtia's Kumarkhali views the second Padma Bridge as a blessing for his region. He said, "Our area is a hub for the weaving industry. If the bridge exists, people can leave for Dhaka in the morning and reach within two and a half to three hours very easily. Currently, we have to sit at the ferry terminal for hours to cross, causing delays in reaching our destinations on time."

"There have been incidents where buses or trucks fell into the river during ferry crossings at the Paturia-Daulatdia terminals, resulting in loss of life. If the second Padma Bridge is built, the quality of life for millions of people across more than ten districts in the southwestern part of the country will improve. At the same time, it will play a vital role in the national economy."

Communication experts believe there is no alternative to the second Padma Bridge to reduce pressure on the Jamuna (Bangabandhu) Bridge and the first Padma Bridge, and to make the connection with Dhaka even easier.

According to communication expert Md. Hadiuazzaman, a bridge should not only be a communication corridor but also an economic corridor. Before making large investments, the focus must remain on the impact on the national GDP.