MUNSHIGANJ, – The 18th span of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge was installed today at Mawa point making 2.7 kilometres visible out of total 6.15km of the main structure of the bridge.

“With the installation of ‘3-E’ span on the 17th and the 18th pillars at the Mawa point, the construction work of about 2700 meters (2.7 kilometres) of the main structure of this mega bridge has been completed,” said Engineer Humayun Kabir of the bridge project.

Earlier, the 3-E span was brought in front of the 17th and 18th pillars this morning by a floating crane from construction yard-1 at Mawa point where the span was kept temporarily, he said.

After completion of all other works, the span was installed on the pillars at around 1.03 pm, he added.

On November 26, the 17th span of the bridge was installed on the 22nd and the 23rd pillars.

According to the officials, there is a plan to install three more spans, including ‘4-C’ and ‘3-F’, within this month as five spans remain ready in the construction yard for installation. A total of 17 spans out of 33, which have come from China, have been installed.

Along with the spans installation, construction work of roadway slabs and railway slabs is also progressing simultaneously, the officials said.

A total of 41 spans will be installed on 42 concrete pillars to complete the bridge.

According to the project details, the construction of the 6.15-kilometre long Padma Bridge is going on in full swing with the target to complete it as soon as possible.

On October 14, 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled the name plaque of Padma Bridge Toll Plaza at the Mawa end.

According to experts, the national economy is expected to witness 1.2 percent GDP growth rate, while 0.84 percent poverty will be reduced every year after the completion of the bridge to be built with an estimated cost of Taka 30,193.39 crore. The first span of the Padma Bridge was installed on September 30, 2017.