During the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) audit, the audit team undertook a comprehensive physical verification of the construction works for the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project. The exercise entailed a systematic comparison of the actual work executed on-site against the approved construction statements and progress reports. The audit formally confirmed the project's substantial completion date as July 2022, specifically concerning the main bridge structure and its associated viaducts. It is important to clarify that this verification did not extend to the riverbank protection works or any ancillary structures located beyond the main river span, as those elements fell outside the defined scope of our assigned duties and terms of reference.

The scope of our verification was limited to the following primary components:

The main bridge structure, spanning 6.15 km;

The road viaduct, measuring 3.148 km; andThe rail viaduct, measuring 532 m.

During the audit process, the BBA, in order to ensure absolute objectivity and to address certain pending documentation and compliance issues, engaged external expert consultants to conduct an independent review of selected project files. This decision was taken to mitigate any potential concerns regarding procedural irregularities and to reinforce the transparency of the audit findings. At the time of this engagement, our team was concurrently involved in multiple ongoing infrastructure projects, including detailed design work and feasibility studies for the proposed ring belt development around Dhaka city. These parallel commitments required careful coordination and resource allocation to ensure that deliverables for all assignments remained on schedule without compromising quality.

Notably, the authority expressed overall satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of our work throughout the audit period. Special acknowledgment was extended with regard to the final training installation of piles, which was executed under the joint venture (JV) arrangement. This particular activity was carried out in strict adherence to technical specifications and quality assurance protocols, contributing to the successful completion of the foundation works.

In summary, while the audit confirmed the substantial completion of the main bridge components by July 2022, it also highlighted the importance of clearly delineated scopes of work, transparent third-party verification mechanisms, and effective management of concurrent project responsibilities. Our team remained focused on delivering accurate, verifiable documentation and on maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct throughout the engagement.

The proposed project site is strategically positioned between the upazilas of Matlab Uttar and Gazaria, situated approximately fifty kilometres south of the capital city, Dhaka. Matlab Uttar, which falls under Chandpur District within the Chattogram Division, encompasses a total land area of roughly 260 square kilometres and supports a population of approximately 290,000 residents. Gazaria, on the other hand, belongs to Munshiganj District in the Dhaka Division and covers a comparatively smaller area of about 131 square kilometres, with a population estimated at 160,000 inhabitants.

These two administrative territories are naturally separated by the Dhonagoda River, a notable tributary branch of the greater Meghna River system. At present, cross-river connectivity between the two areas remains severely constrained, with the only direct option being a boat service operating between Maya Ferry Ghat and Kalipur Terminal. The alternative land route requires a lengthy detour via the Srirayerchar bridge, which eventually connects to the N1 highway near Shahidnagar Bazar, making the journey considerably time-consuming and circuitous.

The proposed bridge connecting Matlab Uttar and Gazaria would directly address this connectivity gap, offering substantial improvements to the local transport network. Beyond its immediate benefit of facilitating easier movement between the two upazilas, the project holds significant potential to generate a more efficient travel route for residents of Matlab Uttar commuting to and from Dhaka. This new alignment would considerably reduce travel time compared to the existing detour, thereby enhancing daily accessibility for both commercial and personal purposes.

More broadly, this initiative should be viewed not as an isolated infrastructure endeavour but rather as an integral component of a larger, coordinated strategy aimed at regional transportation enhancement. The project aligns with several other connectivity studies currently under consideration, including a proposed bridge linking Gazaria to Munshiganj, another connecting Shariatpur to Chandpur, and the wider South-North transportation corridor assessment. Collectively, these initiatives are designed to significantly upgrade the overall connectivity of the Chandpur region with the Dhaka metropolitan area, thereby fostering economic integration and improving mobility for a substantial portion of the population.

Matlab -Uttar Cable stayed Bridge

Multipurpose Padma Bridge