Padma Bridge will boost connectivity, catalyse economic growth

In a spirit of triumph, jubilation and euphoria, the Padma Bridge has been inaugurated, and from now on, June 25 will be etched in the annals of history. Because on this day, Bangladesh saw the biggest infrastructure project in the country come to fruition.

This majestic bridge has opened the doors of great potential for the whole country. Economists have opined that the bridge will contribute substantially to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the creation of strong supply chains that will enhance investment, external and internal trade, employment generation and poverty alleviation.

For too long Bangladesh was seen and lauded as an example of tenacity in the face of adversity, especially natural disasters. Today, this country has proved that through perseverance she can also catch a dream.

Padma Bridge, the 6.150 km long structure, was built at a cost of Tk. 30,000 crore will become a major pillar in the economic operation since it will make connectivity easier between southwest and other parts of the country.

Connectivity and swift transport links are integral to modern-day commercial success and until now, goods and produce from the southern part of the country, came to the capital after a long journey which often resulted in the partial spoiling of perishable items.

Economists and business experts have unanimously opined that travel time from the southern part of Bangladesh by truck will fall by ten hours, which means, fresh items will reach Dhaka and elsewhere thus providing a major fillip to commodity movement.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Khulna, everyday around 600 tonnes of agricultural products are sent to the capital from Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat.

Not only that, farmers and fishermen of the region will also get fair prices as they will be able to connect directly with the dealers.

Improved and swift communication will get rid of mediators, allowing farmers to bargain and receive better prices for their produce.

Relevant to note, agricultural sector generates 42 per cent of the country’s employment and contributes 12.07 per cent GDP. Of this, 5.7 per cent came from crops and horticulture and 2.64 per cent from fishing.

On the other hand, with the bridge, economic zones in the southern part, which had less appeal to investors, will now take the front seat. Local and international investors will be lured to go to these parts and set up business in the zones. Consequently, there will be an economic boom in all parts of the country with new communities developing and previous ones injected with a new commercial impetus.

Instead of coming to the capital to seek employment, many of the educated youth will stay back in their hometowns and get a chance to work for top manufacturers. On one hand, this will lead to the spread of urabnisation and on the other, the term ‘backwater’ often used for southern parts, will become history.

The tourism sector which took a massive battering during and after the Covid-19 pandemic can look at the Padma Bridge as a blessing since this will allow tourists travelling within the country to save time.

The bridge itself will turn into a sparkling tourist attraction, triggering the development of resorts and holiday spots on both sides of the structure. During weekends people from both the capital and other parts of the country will throng here to marvel at the structure and savour the natural beauty by the mighty river Padma.

The tourism aspect is significant since the towns near the bridge will see a radical change in lifestyle with tourism-related businesses providing a wide range of employment opportunities to both women and men from the nearby villages and towns.

The government and the PM deserve kudos for giving material form to an aspiration which will literally be the bridge towards progress, prosperity and elevated economic status for Bangladesh.