PROJECT PADMA BRIDGE

This is a Biggest project of Bangladesh development history. the project covers three districts —Munshiganj (Mawa Point/North bank), Shariatpur and Madaripur (Janjira/South bank).The total area of land to be acquired and required for its components is 918 hectares.The requisition of land for the construction yard will be for six years on a rental basis. This additional land is required because project site lost significant land due to erosion, for transition structures and due to a change in railway alignment.After allegation of corruption by some people associated with project preparation the World Bank withdrew its commitment and other donors followed. However, the corruption allegations were subsequently found to be false and without merit and the Canadian Court subsequently dismissed the case.The Bangladesh Bridge Authority invited the pre-qualification tender for the project in April 2010. Construction of the bridge was expected to commence by early 2011 and be ready for major completion in 2013. The proposed Pawdda Multipurpose Bridge Project will provide direct connectivity between the central and southwestern part of the country through a fixed link on the Pawdda River at Mawa-Janjira points. The bridge will contribute significantly towards facilitating the social, economic and industrial development of this relatively underdeveloped region with a population of over 30 million. The area of influence of the direct benefit of the project is about 44,000 km2 or 29% of the total area of Bangladesh.