SIRAJGANJ. Dec 31: The construction work of the 4.8 kilometre Bangabandhu Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge, materialising the long expectation of connecting the two parts of the country for its overall development. is nearing completion. reports UNB.

The sectoral construction activities of the bridge spanning the river Jamuna, is in full swing for its inauguration on 23rd June of 1998.

Funded by the World Bank. Asian Development Bank and Japanese Government, the bridge, the biggest project of the country, Is being implemented at a total cost ofTk 3.600 crore.

Although the estimated cost of the bridge itself is about Tk 987 crore, the maximum expenditure is being incurred for river training, which is about Tk 1204 crore.

The second huge amount is being spent on the construction of the 32 kilometre link road, rehabilitation of 10.000 families displaced by the bridge, the link road and other programmes including environment protection.

Metergauge and Broadgauge rail tract. 232 KVA electric transmission line, gas pipe line

and most modern telecommunication system of optic fibre will be set up over the 60 feet wide 4-lane bridge.

It is the 11th longest bridge in the world and the longest road bridge In South Asia but its technological aspects and the construction process bear extraordinary features, according to experts here.

When completed the bridge will span the river in a semi circle unlike the commonly seen straight bridges.

The authority takes the help of satellite In the construction of the bridge and necessary equipment have been set up to observe and monitor the flow, nature and behavior of the river.

Another feature of the bridge is strong base of its pillars. Average depth of each pillar is 83 metres or 90 yards and 121 such pillars have l>een set up.

Hydraulic hammers were used for setting the pillars. Average weight of a hammer is about 234 tons which accelerates upto 1700 tons in operation.

The floors of the bridge is constructed in pieces which is called segment and out of 1214 such segment. 1000 have al-

ready been set up.

Two embankments have been constructed on both sides of the bridge to protect the banks from river erosion. To protect the embankment geotextiles have been placed from the bottom of the river. The synthetic geo textiles are so strong that it cannot be destroyed in one hundred years by water, soil, iron and other rna-lerials.

On the western end of the bridge. 17 kilometres of ap-5 roach road from Nakla to aydabad and on the eastern end. 15 kilometres from Sri-fabad to Alenga are being constructed along with 22 culverts and 12 small bridges.

Construction work has already been completed on the western side of the approach road while work of the eastern side will be completed by April next.

About 9.000 acres of land have been acquired for the construction of the bridge, embankment and roads.

Now the last phase work of the bridge is going on day and night in a very disciplined and methodical way. About 2600 people from home and abroad are working on the project.