One year of opening: Padma Bridge transforming lives of millions

Celebrating its first anniversary, the Padma Multipurpose Bridge has been nothing short of a lifeline for the people of southern Bangladesh, revolutionizing various sectors including agriculture, trade, tourism, and healthcare.  

The 9.83 km long bridge, including a 6.15 km main bridge, has connected 21 districts of the South Western region to Dhaka and beyond, creating an unprecedented surge in economic activities.

One of the most notable changes has been in Jashore, one of Bangladesh's largest flower-producing districts, where farmers cultivate 13 varieties including roses, gerbera, and marigold.

Previously, transportation difficulties led to significant losses for florists.

The inauguration of the Padma Bridge on June 25 last year has been a game changer. The bridge has not only reduced transportation time drastically, allowing flowers from Jashore to reach Dhaka in just 3-4 hours but has also rejuvenated the hopes and aspirations of the flower farmers.

“Despite cultivating quality flowers, we couldn’t reap the full benefits due to difficulties in transportation. But the opening of the Padma Bridge has changed everything. In the last one year, our earnings have increased significantly and flower farmers are planting more varieties of seedlings with renewed hope,” said Bangladesh Flower Society President, Abdur Rahim.

The bridge has not only brought relief to the flower farmers but has significantly eased the woes of travelers and transporters.

The Greater South Bengal Coach and Bus Owners Association’s general secretary, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, noted the increased frequency and availability of buses.

“Earlier, a bus used to make one trip a day, now it makes two-three trips. The biggest change is people can save their time now,” he said.

Giasuddin, a truck driver from Bagerhat, recounted the agonizing waits at ferry ghats, often stretching up to days, especially with perishable goods on board.

“I have come to the capital today (Saturday). There is no hassle on the road. Everything is smooth and I can deliver goods in time. The bridge has made my life easy,” he said.

According to data from the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, 4.7 million vehicles have crossed the Padma Bridge in the past year, generating toll revenue of Tk 774 crores. The bridge facilitates the crossing of around 16,223 vehicles daily, translating into an average daily income of Tk 2.18 crore in tolls.

One year after the opening of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Barishal, known as Bangladesh’s ‘grain-basket,’ has experienced a monumental transformation.

Agriculture, the lifeline of Barishal, has seen revolutionary changes. Md Showkat Usman, Additional Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension in Barishal, highlighted how the bridge has motivated farmers. “Farmers are now more motivated as they are getting deserved prices after selling their crops since the opening of the Padma Bridge,” he said.

The bridge has reduced transportation times and costs, allowing farmers to quickly and efficiently move their crops to markets, leading to better prices and reduced wastage.

In addition to agriculture, tourism has received a significant boost, particularly in Kuakata sea beach, where tourists can witness both sunrise and sunset from the same beach. The area, along with the Sundarbans and the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has seen a surge in tourists.

Motaleb Sharif, General Secretary of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners’ Association, mentioned that their income has doubled due to the increased presence of tourists. “People are smoothly traveling here. Now we are focusing on ensuring quality service,” Sharif remarked.

Healthcare is another sector that has benefited greatly. The bridge has significantly reduced travel time to the capital, Dhaka, which is vital for patients needing urgent medical care.

Professor Dr. Md Sharfuddin Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), stated, “It is important to bring any stroke patient to an advanced hospital within three hours. After the construction of the Padma Bridge, such critical patients of southern region have been able to come to us easily.”

BSMMU is now serving 80,000 more patients annually, a testament to the bridge's impact on healthcare accessibility.

Furthermore, the bridge has sparked economic activities, with the establishment of thousands of new shops and a boom in land prices. Big corporate companies like Akij Group and Ha-Meem Group have been acquiring land to set up large factories in the region.

The strategically located Benapole land port, Payra, and Mongla sea ports further encourage industrialists to venture into the southern region, which now enjoys better connectivity through the Padma Bridge.

Commenting on the economic impact, Dr. Zahid Hussain, former lead economist of the World Bank’s Dhaka office, said, “The bridge has linked the economy of 21 districts of the south with Dhaka, the economic center of the country, and its surrounding industrial areas.” He emphasized the rejuvenation of the rural economy and the creation of new entrepreneurs.

Dr. Hussain also spoke about the projected 1.2 to 2 percent contribution to the country’s GDP from the Padma Bridge, stating that it would take time but is likely to materialize.

He also underscored the importance of ensuring necessary infrastructural support such as gas and electricity for sustained growth.