IDEB suggests new site for Padma bridge

In a press release, the IDEB said construction of the bridge linking Kartikpur of Dohar Upazila, Dhaka, and Gopalpur of Charbhadrasan Upazila, Faridpur, would minimize the distance and fuel cost and save time in direct road communication between southern region and the capital.

This route via Buriganga Bridges No. 1 and 2 is already in service over the Padma River.

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Moreover, Roads and Highways Department recently decided to introduce ferry service between Kartikpur and Gopalpur Ghat to make an easy alternative road connection between the capital and southern region.

The IDEB said if the proposed bridge is constructed at Kartikpur-Gopalpur point, the distance from capital to Faridpur will be reduced to 72 km from 132 km.

In addition, time will be saved by at least one hour to any destination from the capital to the southern region and the transport fair will be reduced by 30 per cent. Tk 20 crore in foreign currency will also be saved in terms of fuel cost annually.

According to water experts, if the proposed bridge is constructed at Gopalpur-Kartikpur point, the river training scheme for the bridge would help check erosion in the upstream of the Padma protecting Faridpur town and Hajiganj where severe erosion takes place every year.

In that case no separate measure will be needed to check erosion, saving huge money for the purpose, the IDEB added.