Bhola Bridge or Bhola–Barishal Bridge is a planned bridge in Bangladesh.[1]
Bhola Bridge Bhola–Barishal Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 22°42′26″N 90°31′39″E / 22.707223°N 90.527544°E |
| Carries | Motor vehicles |
| Crosses | |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 10.867 kilometres (6.752 mi) |
| Width | 20.25 metres (66.4 ft) |
| No. of lanes | 4 |
| History | |
| Construction start | January 2026 |
| Construction cost | ৳17,466.32 crore |
| Opening | 2033 |
| Location | |
 Interactive map of Bhola Bridge Bhola–Barishal Bridge | |
The bridge is expected to connect the island district of Bhola with the mainland by road and facilitate gas supply and transportation.[2][3]
Once completed, it is expected to become the longest bridge in Bangladesh.[4]
Background
editIn December 2019, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed announced that construction of the Bhola–Barishal bridge would begin by 2021.[5]
In 2020, the government formally initiated planning for the bridge, estimating the cost at approximately ৳9,922 crore.[6]
Based on feasibility studies and surveys, the bridge location was proposed between the Bheduria ferry terminal in Bhola and the Laharhat ferry terminal in Barishal.[7]
On 27 April 2025, a civic organization named Agamir Bhola organized a rally in front of the National Press Club demanding the construction of the bridge, establishment of a medical college, and gas connections in Bhola.[8]
On 8 May 2025, senior government officials visited the proposed site and announced that construction would begin in January 2026.[1]
Further demonstrations were held on 16 May 2025 demanding early commencement of the project.[9]
Location
editThe bridge will connect Barishal and Bhola across the Tentulia and Kalabadar rivers, linking the southern island region with mainland Bangladesh.
Economic impact
editBhola District is the only island district in Bangladesh, located in the Barisal Division. The district has an area of 3,403.48 square kilometres (1,314.09 mi2).[10]
According to the 2022 census, the population of the district is 1,932,518.[11]
Due to its island geography, Bhola is currently separated from mainland Bangladesh and relies primarily on ferry services and small boats for transportation. This limited connectivity has negatively affected trade, economic growth, and social development in the district.
The construction of the bridge is expected to significantly improve transportation, trade, and access to services in the region.
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 "Announcement of Bhola–Barisal bridge construction following protests". Somoy News. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Country's longest Bhola–Barisal bridge to be built at a cost of 17,000 crore". Naya Diganta. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Plan to build country's longest bridge connecting Bhola and Barisal". The Daily Star. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Southern region to transform with construction of Bhola Bridge". Daily Janakantha. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Construction of Bhola–Barisal bridge to start by 2021". Desh Rupantor. 6 December 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Construction of bridge over Tentulia and Kalabadar rivers on Barisal–Bhola road". Bangladesh Bridge Authority. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Plan to build country's longest bridge connecting Bhola and Barisal". The Daily Star. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Ultimatum demanding bridge construction and gas supply in Bhola". Jugantor. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Protest demanding early construction of Bhola–Barisal bridge". Jugantor. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "Overview of Bhola District". Government of Bangladesh. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ↑ "Population and Housing Census 2022" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
External links
edit- "Bhola Bridge Project Overview". Bangladesh Bridge Authority.