Published: May 17, 2025, 03:33 PM
A summary prepared by the Ministry of Railways for the approval of the project compares the construction cost of the Kalurghat Bridge with the construction costs of the Jamuna Rail Bridge and the Padma Bridge. It states that the construction cost per kilometer of the main Padma Bridge is BDT 13.89 billion.
The newly launched Kalurghat “rail-cum-road” bridge project over the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram is drawing attention for its hefty price tag, with a per-kilometer construction cost nearly matching that of Bangladesh`s mega infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge and Jamuna Rail Bridge.
Although the Kalurghat bridge itself is just 700 meters long, its total estimated cost stands at BDT 115.6 billion. This translates to roughly BDT 12.3 billion per kilometer-nearing the cost of the 6.15-km Padma Bridge (BDT 13.89 billion/km) and the Jamuna Rail Bridge (BDT 13.55 billion/km), according to a Ministry of Railways summary.
However, officials argue the high price is justified due to additional infrastructure required for the project. These include 6.2 kilometers of double-line rail viaducts, 2.4 kilometers of road viaducts, and 4.54 kilometers of embankments, along with land acquisition covering over 141 acres. The rail viaduct alone is expected to cost BDT 41.35 billion, making it the single most expensive component.
In comparison, the single-line Padma Bridge viaduct cost BDT 2.63 billion per km, while Kalurghat’s double-line viaduct is projected at BDT 3.33 billion per km. Despite having a lower navigational clearance (12.2 meters) than the Padma Bridge (18 meters), Kalurghat’s viaduct is costlier, raising questions among experts.
Adding to the debate, similar viaducts in India—like the Katni Grade Separator Project-are being built at a fraction of the cost (about BDT 520 million/km), prompting concerns about cost efficiency in Bangladesh.
According to Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, the higher cost is partly due to updated requirements in the 2024 Development Project Proposal (DPP), which now includes a double-line railway and longer viaducts. The height of the bridge has also been raised to accommodate navigational clearance, contributing further to the cost increase-nearly 10 times more than the initial 2018 estimate.
Despite the high figure, experts like BUET’s Dr. Shamsul Haque see potential for cost reduction through competitive bidding, noting that the final cost will only be clear once tenders are in. He urged for a transparent procurement process to ensure public funds are used efficiently.
The Kalurghat bridge project, originally conceptualized in 2014 and restructured over time, replaces a century-old British-era single-lane bridge. While the latest version promises modern connectivity, concerns remain about its cost-effectiveness and the need for rigorous financial oversight.
