Protect Padma Bridge at any cost

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge is a national asset that needs to be protected from any kind of accident or even sabotage attempt by anti-state elements. This iconic bridge has been built at a cost of over Tk. 30,000 crore. The bridge will connect the capital city with a number of districts like Louhajong, Munshiganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur and the south-west, northern and eastern regions.

We have been quite perturbed at the news of water vessels hitting the pillars of the bridge consecutively on four occasions within a span of 25 days. The latest incident took place on Friday. It surely is not something that should be taken lightly by the authorities. Though the damage has been minimal so far, the very fact that there was no protective measure installed around the pillars is worrisome. It is surprising to learn that though the state minister for shipping had issued some instructions on how to maneuver ships and ferries around the bridge some months back, these were not heeded by the operators of vessels which ultimately led to the accidents. He however allayed the fear of any major damage to the structure of the bridge so far but expressed his concern regarding safety of the passengers of the water vessels. As an after-thought he told the ferry operators to protect the vessels with rubber tyres on two sides.

It is now apparent that the ministry concerned and the BIWTC authorities have taken the accidents seriously and formed a probe body to investigate the incidents. Primary investigation has revealed lack of skill of the ferry operators, fitness of the vessels and faulty signaling system around the bridge as major factors contributing to the accidents.

Experts also feel high tide in the river, common around this time of the year, could have played a role in the incident as operators could not keep the vessels steady. But, the BIWTC officials are not ready to accept this high tide theory as they argue that before entering the main channel vessels get about two kilometers of waterways, meaning there is sufficient clearance for vessels to pass without hitting the pillars. It is however expected that the tide will lose its force from mid-September when navigation will be easier. It is good news that the BIWTC authorities has already shifted the ferry ghats (terminals) by changing the route to avoid going under the Padma Bridge.

The apprehension regarding possibility of sabotage by some quarters is also being discussed by the authorities concerned. It is a fear that just cannot be brushed aside with so many different kinds of elements walking the streets in the country. There must be reasons for them to think in that line and it always pays to be cautious and one step ahead of the possible saboteurs. One major subversive act may cause considerable damage to the bridge and it may remain inaccessible for months together. The law enforcing agencies should start their probe in that direction so that the longest bridge of the country remains safe the year round.

This remains to be said that the Padma Multipurpose Bridge is a megaproject of the country that was built with our own finance. Our own engineers and consultants worked there and our own raw materials like cement and iron rods have been used in the project. Millions of people will be economically benefited by this project when it will go into full operation. Hence people are emotionally attached to this bridge. Therefore, the government should take all measures to protect the bridge from minor or major accidents like what we have seen in the last few weeks. These were like wake-up calls so before any major incident causes substantial damage to the infrastructure the authority must ensure protection.