Japanese construction firm Miyagawa Kensetsu Construction Ltd has proposed a $3.44 billion (Tk33,423 crore) investment to build two major bridges in southern Bangladesh under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Discussed at the recent Bangladesh-Japan Joint PPP Platform meeting in Dhaka these infrastructure projects aim to transform regional connectivity and accelerate economic activity.
The proposed 10.86-kilometre Bhola-Barishal Bridge costing an estimated Tk17,466 crore would become the country’s longest bridge. Slated for completion by 2033 it will establish a permanent road link between Bhola island and the mainland facilitate natural gas supply to the national grid and potentially boost Bangladesh's GDP by 0.86% over the next 30 years.
The second project the 8-kilometre Shariatpur-Chandpur Bridge over the Meghna River will cost Tk15,957 crore and is targeted for completion by 2032. It will connect 21 southwestern and 11 southeastern districts, providing a reliable alternative to ferry services reducing the Khulna-Chattogram travel distance by roughly 90 kilometres, and easing traffic pressure on Dhaka.
Under this PPP framework the Bangladesh government will bear the land acquisition costs. During the meeting, the Japanese delegation also expressed strong interest in a third project the Bhola-Lakshmipur Bridge highlighting a strategic commitment to strengthening Bangladesh's transport network. Before formally selecting a developer the government will appoint a transaction adviser to conduct feasibility work issue a request for proposals (RFP) and negotiate a final agreement.
