Jamuna River Bridge – A Remarkable Engineering Feat
Spanning the mighty Jamuna river in Bangladesh, the Jamuna River Bridge is a remarkable engineering feat and an iconic symbol of modern Bangladesh. The bridge, which opened in 1998, is a vital link between the eastern and western parts of the country, and it is one of the largest and most important bridges in South Asia.
The bridge has become an iconic landmark in Bangladesh, connecting the two sides of the country and providing a lifeline for trade, transport and communication. In this article, we take a closer look at the Jamuna River Bridge and its history, construction and significance.
History of the Jamuna River Bridge
The Jamuna River Bridge was first proposed in the early 1970s, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, but the plan was put on hold due to political and economic issues. It was finally approved in 1992 and construction began in 1994. The bridge was built by the Japanese government, which provided $1.6 billion in loans and grants for the project.
Construction of the Jamuna River Bridge
The construction of the bridge was a major engineering feat, requiring hundreds of workers and advanced technology. The bridge consists of two main parts – the main bridge and the approach bridges. The main bridge is 3.8 kilometers long, with a main span of 1.2 kilometers. It is made of reinforced concrete and steel, and is supported by two pairs of piers which are sunk into the river bed.
The approach bridges, which connect the main bridge to the land on both sides of the river, are 4.2 kilometers long in total and are made of steel. The total cost of the bridge was estimated at $2.75 billion, making it one of the most expensive projects in Bangladesh’s history.
Significance of the Jamuna River Bridge
The Jamuna River Bridge is an iconic symbol of modern Bangladesh and is a vital link between the east and west of the country. It has improved access to remote areas and has opened up the region to business and tourism opportunities.
The bridge has also helped to improve connectivity between the major cities of Dhaka and Chittagong, reducing the journey time by several hours. It is estimated that more than one million people use the bridge every day, and it is a vital part of the country’s infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Jamuna River Bridge is an iconic symbol of modern Bangladesh and a remarkable engineering feat. It has improved access to remote areas, facilitated trade and tourism, and reduced the journey time between Dhaka and Chittagong. The bridge is a vital link between the two sides of the country, and it is estimated that more than one million people use it every day.