The 31st span of the much-anticipated Padma Multipurpose Bridge was installed on Wednesday, bringing 4.65 kilometres of the giant structure into view.
“The span 5A was installed on 25th and 26th piers at the Janjira end, making 4650 meters or 4.65 kilometres of the main structure visible,” said Dewan Md Abdul Kader, project manager (main bridge).
The installation of the span was critical comparatively than other spans of the bridge, he said, adding that is why the bridge construction concern Major Bridge Engineering Company wanted to install the span by Wednesday.
After installation of 31st span, only ten spans remain left to be installed on the Mawa side which would be easier to install during the rainy season, said the official.
Earlier on May 31, the 30th span was installed on 26th and 27th piers.
Meanwhile, to facilitate the span installation movement of all vessels including ferry services on Shimulia-Kathalbari river route was suspended from 11am till 7pm, said Assistant General Manager of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) M Shafiqul Islam.
Once operational, the Padma Multipurpose Bridge will connect 21 southern districts with the capital and boost the country’s GDP by 1.2%, according to experts.
The 6.15km long two-story bridge is being constructed with steel and concrete. The main bridge is being built by the China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Company Limited.
