The huge iron giant Hardinge Bridge constructed during 1909-1913 is now in a dilapidated condition due to its age and weight. The one hundred-plus-year old bridge is now gradually learnt to give way making movement of the trains over the bridge risky. To avoid any possible disaster, the government has taken up a step to make a new bridge at the site.
The 1.8 kilometre long Hardinge Bridge connects Pabna and Kushtia districts at Pakshey and Bheramara points. The proposed new bridge will be the same in length and in width.
A source of West zone railway in Rajshahi informed, the government has taken up a survey project to construct the new bridge. The Ministry of Railway has sent a DPP ( Development Project Proposal) to the Planning Commission for approval. The project is being undertaken under the Technical Assistance for Railway Connectivity Improvement Preparatory Facility (RCIPF) project.
The project will be implemented at a cost of TK 25.63 billion (Taka 256 crore 30 lakh). The construction works of the main bridge will be started after the implementation of the technical assistance project. A feasibility study will also be conducted with detailed design for the construction of the bridge.
A senior official of the Ministry of Railway while talking to the journalists informed, age of Hardinge Bridge has already surpassed 105 year. The bridge is giving way due to its weight and age. As a result, a new bridge will soon be constructed at the site as soon as possible. Feasibility study of the bridge will also be conducted before the construction of the bridge.
The length of existing Hardinge Bridge is 1798.32 metre or 5894 feet. The new railway bridge will be of the same length with two broad gauge railway tract over it. South Asia Sub-regional Economic Co-operation will play a significant role in the construction of the bridge. ADB will disburse a loan of Tk 18.05 billion( Taka 180 crore 50 lakh) for the implementation of the project.
The existing railway bridge was constructed during 1909 to 1913 and it was inaugurated in 1913 by the then Vice-Roy Lord Hardinge to whom the name of the bridge was given. The government is planning to preserve the existing bridge even after construction of a new bridge at the sight.
