Feasibility study for second Jamuna Bridge underway: Minister

The government has taken an initiative to construct a second bridge over the Jamuna River as part of its key infrastructure development projects. A feasibility study for this purpose is currently ongoing, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam told parliament.

The minister made the remarks during the question-and-answer session of the Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday.

Multiple potential alignments are being considered for the second Jamuna Bridge. These include a corridor from Sariakandi upazila in Bogura to Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur. Another potential alignment under consideration is the area from Balashi Ghat in Gaibandha to Dewanganj Ghat in Jamalpur. Other suitable corridors will also be examined if necessary.

The final alignment of the bridge will be determined after the completion of the feasibility study .

The minister further said the construction of a second Jamuna Bridge is part of the current government's electoral pledge. The existing four-lane Jamuna Bridge is relatively narrow and experiences traffic congestion at various times. An alternative bridge has become essential to ease this pressure.

According to the master plan of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, implementation of the second Jamuna Bridge has been recommended by 2033, which, once realised, will bring significant improvements to the communication system of the northern and south-western regions of the country.