【Introduction of the project】
The Cross Border Road Network Improvement Project aims to improve economic stability and development in the South Asian region by enhancing Bangladesh's international arterial highway network. The project includes the Madhumati Bridge, a 6-lane, 690 m-long bridge that spans the Madhumati River, a tributary of the Ganges River in Bangladesh. This bridge, first-of-its-kind in Bangladesh, adopts the steel Nielsen Lohse type superstructure, renowned for its effectiveness in Japan. It eliminates the missing link on the Benapole-Dhaka section of Asian Highway 1, strengthening regional connectivity. Despite delays due to land acquisition, COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, and heavy monsoon rains, faster superstructure erection methods and strict quality control management enabled the bridge opening three months after the completion of Padma Bridge, reducing travel times and boosting economic and social development. Thus, this high-quality infrastructure project exemplifies technical competence including utilization of Japanese technology, and highly contributes to the development of the society.