WELCOME TO PADMA MULTIPURPOSE BRIDGE

Civil Engineer

Introduction:

Padma Multipurpose Bridge is a two-level road-rail bridge across the Padma River in Bangladesh.This girder bridge connects the northeastern states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Padma Bridge at morning on 25 June 2022.One of the largest bridges in South Asia, the bridge will make traveling to Dhaka easier and less time-consuming for people from the south-southwest regions of the country. As a result of this bridge, the journey from Shariatpur, Madaripur, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Narail to Dhaka will take 60 to 70 minutesThat’s why millions of people, including many businessmen and ordinary people, are preparing for a new dream.The Padma Bridge sees an average of 75,000 vehicles running on it each day. The bridge is designed a two-level road-rail bridge access with an under-rail section while the top part is reserved for vehicles to pass through.

Planning and Design:

Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge is an iconic symbol of national development and engineering. The careful planning and innovative design of this monumental structure played a key role in shaping its functionality, beauty, and long-term sustainability. Take a look at the intricate details of the planning and design process that helped make the Padma Bridge a wonder of modern engineering.

  • Visionary Planning: The initiation of the Padma Bridge project was based on a visionary approach to meet the urgent need for improved connectivity between Dhaka and southwestern Bangladesh. The planning stage includes comprehensive feasibility studies, traffic forecasting and socio-economic studies to ensure that the bridge not only acts as a vital transport link but also contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth and social development. included an evaluation.    
  • Collaborative Design Process: The design of the Padma Bridge was a collaborative effort involving local and international experts from various fields of engineering, architecture, and urban planning. The objective was to create a structure that fits seamlessly into the natural landscape, while meeting the highest standards of safety, efficiency and aesthetics. This collaborative approach ensured that the bridge design combined global best practices with relevance to the local context.
  • Engineering: The engineering behind the Padma Bridge is nothing short of amazing. The bridge design includes a dual-use structure that can accommodate both road and rail traffic, optimizing the utility of the infrastructure. The use of innovative materials such as high-strength steel and prestressed concrete contributed to the bridge’s structural integrity and longevity. The incorporation of seismic features further emphasizes the technical excellence of this project.
  • Aesthetic Sensibility: Beyond its functional utility, Padma Bridge was conceived as an architectural masterpiece that would enhance the visual landscape of Bangladesh. The design incorporates aesthetic elements inspired by Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, featuring intricate patterns, motifs and colors that reflect the richness of Bangladeshi art and craftsmanship. The bridge’s graceful curvature and slim profile contributed to its visual appeal, making it a local landmark.
  • Environmental aspects: While planning and designing the Padma Bridge, emphasis was placed on environmental compatibility and environmental protection. Extensive research was conducted to minimize the project’s ecological footprint, protect wildlife habitat, and protect the natural ecosystem surrounding the bridge. Green infrastructure features such as energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and green spaces are incorporated into the design to reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity.
  • Innovation: The Padma Bridge project incorporates cutting-edge technology to improve construction efficiency, structural integrity and operational safety. Advanced software tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used to simulate and optimize various design scenarios. The use of state-of-the-art construction equipment and technology streamlined the construction process and ensured timely completion without sacrificing quality.
    It’s worth noting that these figures are related to the construction of the bridge, and the actual amounts of rock and dredging volume used during construction may vary depending on various factors. 

Construction of the bridge:

The construction of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge started on November 26, 2014, and ended on March 23, 2022. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Bridges Division, Bangladesh Bridge Authority constructed it

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge project’s total cost is Tk32,605 crore. Which was funded by the Bangladesh government, with the government providing a grant of Tk300 crore and the remaining Tk29,893 crore as a loan with a 1% annual interest rate. The Padma Bridge in Bangladesh has a four-lane carriageway for road transportation on the top deck and also a single railway track on the bottom deck. The Padma Bridge spans the fast-flowing Padma River, the second largest river in the world by water flow after the Amazon River.

The Structure:

The bridge’s physical work is divided into five packages: (i) Main Road, (ii) Rail Bridge, (iii) River regimen, (iv) Jazira Approach Road, (v) Toll Plaza, and Mawa and Jajira Service Area. One of the most difficult aspects of the Padma Bridge’s construction is the river routine.

  • Main Bridge: Padma Bridge is 6.15 kilometers long and 16.10 meters wide. The bridge viaduct is 3.16 km long and has 61 piers.The total number of spans is 41.Each span is 150 meters long and each span weighs 3,200 tons.This state-of-the-art bridge has a height of 60 feet above water and a piling depth of 363 feet. A four-lane road will be built on the upper level of the bridge, and a railway track will be built on the ground level.There are a total of 240 piles with a diameter of 3 meters and a length of 128 meters. Each piler consists of 6 smaller piles and 240 steel piles in total. The main bridge has 32 vertical bored concrete piles, each 80 meters long. The Padma Bridge’s upper deck slab has a width of 22 meters and a hard shoulder that is 2.5 meters on either side. The deck is composed of concrete and stands 13.6 meters tall. There is a four-lane road on the upper deck and a single-track dual gauge rail on the lower deck.
  • Main Road: This bridge directly connects Lohajang of Munshiganj district to the Shariatpur and Madaripur districts by approach road.The North Approach of Dhaks to Mowa, which is a 10km road, connects Dhaka to the northern end of the Padma Bridge, facilitating the flow of traffic from the major city center. On the other hand, the South Approach of Janjira to Khulna Division is a 14km long road that extends from the southern end of the Padma Bridge and provides links to the N8 National Highway.
  • Rail Bridge: Construction of a new railway line from Dhaka to Jessore via the Padma Multipurpose Bridge is underway, covering a distance of approximately 169 km.This will establish a new Broad Gauge (BG) railway connectivity through the south-west part of the country. The total length of the track, including loops, sidings, and double lines, is 215.22 km.
  • River regimen: The constructed River regimen is MawaEnd (North/Left Bank) and Janjira End (South/Right Bank) at Padma.Mawa End (North/Left Bank): 1.6 kilometers Construction by concrete blocks placed above water, and riprap (dumping of boulders and geotags) is used on the dredged slope.Janjira End (South/Right Bank): 12,4 kilometers Construction is done by placing concrete blocks above water, and riprap (dumping of boulders and geotags) is used on the dredged slope.
  • Toll Plaza: The bridge also features an experimental Electronic Toll Collection System (ETCS) that dispenses with the need for vehicles to stop at toll booths by utilizing technology to collect tolls.

     

    Special notes for Toll Plaza: People in the country’s southwest will find it easier and take longer to travel with Dhaka thanks to the bridge, which is among the biggest in South Asia. This bridge facilitates the daily use of numerous vehicles. Toll systems need to be updated in this regard and caused multiple traffic jams in Bangladesh on any given occasion. The Padma Bridge toll plaza needs to be digitalized.

Several pictures display the construction work on the Padma Multipurpose Bridge.:

Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer

Implantation:

The final construction of the Padma Bridge in Bangladesh marks a historic moment in the country’s infrastructure development. Once construction is complete, the bridge will undergo a series of comprehensive implementation stages to ensure operational readiness, socio-economic impact, and long-term sustainability.

Operational Readiness

The final implementation of the Padma Bridge will include a rigorous testing, inspection, and certification process to verify its structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and compliance with safety standards. Precisely designed mechanisms for bridge operations, such as traffic management, toll collection, and emergency protocols, are carefully calibrated to ensure smooth functioning. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technology facilitates real-time monitoring of bridge health, traffic flow, and weather conditions, improving operational efficiency and safety.

Socio-economic impact

The realization of the Padma Bridge goes far beyond its physical structure as it becomes a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. The increased connectivity provided by bridges has opened up new opportunities for trade, commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange. It serves as a central link that connects communities, stimulates local development, and strengthens local economies. The job creation, skills development and entrepreneurial prospects brought about by bridge construction attest to their far-reaching socio-economic impact.

Integrated Development Initiatives

The final stage of implementation of Padma Bridge will be accompanied by a comprehensive framework of integrated development initiatives. These include the construction of transit-oriented infrastructure such as terminals, service facilities, and support systems to optimize the bridge’s usability and accessibility. In addition, education, health care, and community development programs will be strategically deployed to leverage the bridge’s connectivity to advance the entire region.

Environmental Protection:

Parallel to the implementation of its operations, Padma Bridge maintains its commitment to environmental protection. Green infrastructure practices, green maintenance protocols and ecosystem protection efforts are at the forefront, demonstrating a proactive approach to minimizing the bridge’s environmental footprint and protecting the natural environment. Bridge construction must be in harmony with the ecosystem and promote a sustainable balance between development and environmental protection.

Opening of Padma Bridge:

The long-held dream of Padma Bridge will finally come true. 25th. Significant events await in June 2022. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurates this huge infrastructure project. The list of invitees includes ambassadors from various countries in Dhaka, heads of international organizations, and the president of the World Bank.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Padma Bridge is a monumental achievement for Bangladesh and heralds a new era of connectivity, economic growth and development for the country. This iconic infrastructure project promises to reduce travel times, boost regional trade and improve the country’s overall socio-economic situation. The Padma Bridge, the largest bridge in Bangladesh, serves as a symbol of national pride, innovation and technological excellence. Its role in improving transport efficiency and connectivity across the Padma River highlights its importance in promoting economic progress and social welfare.

Moreover, the completion and opening of the Padma Bridge represents an important milestone in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development quest, positioning the country as a regional power and strengthening its global position. In particular, the bridge opening ceremony will bring together dignitaries, officials and representatives from various sectors, demonstrating the joint efforts and common vision behind this transformative undertaking.