This bridge, more than a physical structure, represents the synergy between China’s expertise and Bangladesh’s aspirations
The Kewatkhali Bridge in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, will be built by a group of Chinese & Bangladeshi engineering companies.The government has nearly finished the preliminary work on the largest steel-arch bridge in the nation, which will be built in Mymensingh, and physical construction is anticipated to begin in August. The Kewatkhali Bridge building supervision consultants have already been chosen by the project authorities, and an agreement has been signed yesterday with a consultancy consortium.
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As global partnerships reshape the landscape of development, China’s contributions to Bangladesh have been instrumental in propelling the nation forward. Over the years, Bangladesh has made significant strides in its journey towards development, with a particular highlight being the recent announcement of a China-led consortium taking on the monumental task of constructing the country’s largest steel arch bridge.
Bangladesh’s Evolution: A Journey of Development
Bangladesh’s transformation from a developing nation to one of rapid growth is undeniable. The country has achieved significant milestones in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic diversification. Initiatives like the Digital Bangladesh program have propelled the nation into the digital era, fostering innovation and providing access to information for all citizens.
China’s Path to Contribution
The relationship between China and Bangladesh has been built on a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation. China’s support has encompassed various sectors, including infrastructure, trade, and technology transfer. Projects like the Padma Bridge and the Payra Power Plant underscore China’s role as a strategic partner in Bangladesh’s development journey. These initiatives have demonstrated China’s commitment to aiding Bangladesh’s progress and enhancing its connectivity within the region.
China’s support has proved to be a great strength for Bangladesh. The two countries’ bilateral agreements have fostered collaboration in multiple domains, enabling technology transfer, skill development, and knowledge sharing. China’s expertise in infrastructure development, exemplified by projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), resonates with Bangladesh’s aspirations for enhanced connectivity and growth.
China-Led Consortium’s Bold Endeavor
Amidst these achievements, the recent announcement of a China-led consortium taking on the task of constructing Bangladesh’s largest steel arch bridge marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Kewatkhali Bridge to be located in Mymensingh, is poised to be an engineering marvel, significantly improving communication networks and contributing to economic progress.
According to Project Director Noor E-Alam of Spectra Engineers, Bangladesh, a contract with the consortium, commanded by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, will be signed next month.The proposal for the physical works has already received approval from the cabinet procurement body, and they will start in October after the contractor has mobilized the necessary resources, he continued.
The construction package for the bridge, which is based on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, has been agreed to for Tk2,138 crore. The project, which is expected to cost Tk3,263.63 crore, was approved by the executive board of the national economic committee (Ecnec) in August 2021. Funds of Tk1,909.80 crore would be provided by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with the government contributing the remaining funds. The construction of a 1.1 km bridge, comprising a 320 m metal arch bridge across the Brahmaputra River at Kewatkhali in Mymensingh, is the project’s primary component.
According to an AIIB document, the project’s goal is to remove the cross-river barrier between Mymensingh & Shambhuganj on the Dhaka-Mymensingh-India highway in order to relieve congestion and enhance mobility and connectivity. By redirecting traffic away from the city’s center region through the construction of the Kewatkhali Bridge over the Brahmaputra River, the project is anticipated to lessen traffic congestion in Mymensingh City, according to the statement. This project will also include the construction of a bridge, three overpasses (two railway bridges and one road overpass), and a 6.20-kilometer, four-lane highway with business lanes on both sides. The project is scheduled for June 2025 closing date.
Why is it needed?
The Kewatkhali Bridge holds the promise of enhancing communication networks within Bangladesh. By spanning across the Old Brahmaputra River in Mymensingh, the bridge will connect previously isolated regions, opening up new avenues for trade, travel, and cultural exchange. The improved accessibility will not only boost local economies but also stimulate the growth of industries and businesses along its route.
This route is used by travelers from the districts of Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sherpur, Jamalpur, and Kishoreganj to get to Dhaka. The capacity of a two-lane bridge completed in 1991 at Shambhuganj over the Brahmaputra is severely insufficient to satisfy the rising traffic demand, according to experts of the Highways and Transportation Department.
As a result, they claimed, the bridge is anticipated to improve the lives and livelihoods of people in the Mymensingh division and its surrounding areas by growing the Mymensingh City Corporation, decreasing traffic, and improving regional trade and communication.
The Dhaka-Mymensingh-India line corridor, regarded as strategically significant for both global and local connections, will include the Kewatkhali Bridge, according to a paper prepared by the AIIB to support the loan proposal.
The bridge will make it easier for commodities to go to and from three land ports along the northeast Indian frontier in Mymensingh Division: Nakugaon Land Port in Sherpur region, Gobrakura Land Port,&Haluaghat Land Port in Mymensingh.
The Multi-Faceted Impact of the Kewatkhali Bridge
The impact of the Kewatkhali Bridge will extend beyond economic growth. It will be a lifeline for local communities, connecting them to essential services, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. This connectivity will improve the overall quality of life by reducing travel time and increasing access to resources. Moreover, the bridge’s strategic location will enable easier transportation of agricultural produce, empowering farmers and driving agricultural development.
China-Bangladesh Relationship: A Shared Vision
The bridge project symbolizes the enduring relationship between China and Bangladesh. Beyond the infrastructural development, this collaboration highlights a shared vision for progress and prosperity. The two nations’ joint commitment to sustainable development and mutual growth underscores the depth of their friendship.
As the China-led consortium embarks on constructing Bangladesh’s largest steel arch bridge, the nation stands at the threshold of a promising future. This bridge, more than a physical structure, represents the synergy between China’s expertise and Bangladesh’s aspirations. It is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the belief that development knows no boundaries. As the Kewatkhali Bridge takes shape, it will not only strengthen the physical infrastructure of Bangladesh but also forge stronger bonds between nations, fostering a world where progress and partnership go hand in hand.
