Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam informed the Bangladesh Parliament that a feasibility study is ongoing for the construction of a second Jamuna Bridge. He said the existing four-lane Jamuna Bridge often faces traffic congestion, making an alternative bridge over the river necessary. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority’s master plan recommends implementing the second Jamuna Bridge by 2033. The minister made the remarks on Sunday in response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman Babul, during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that three possible alignments are being assessed: one between Sariakandi in Bogura and Madarganj in Jamalpur, another from Balasi Ghat in Gaibandha to Dewanganj in Jamalpur, and a third along another suitable corridor. In response to other parliamentary questions, he also noted that project costs for the Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway had been revised multiple times, with corruption investigations ongoing at the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The minister further mentioned that under the ADB’s Master Plan 2040, 496.5 kilometers of highways will be upgraded to six lanes and 102 kilometers to eight lanes by 2040.