Project Background of the Bhola Bridge
Bhola is the largest island in Bangladesh and is home to around 1.8 million people, yet access to the mainland still depends entirely on ferry services. During the monsoon season from June to September, strong winds and rough waters frequently suspend ferry operations, severely constraining local economic activity and emergency medical access. The Bhola Bridge is planned as a 4.8 km crossing linking the island to Barishal on the mainland, and is widely regarded as a core infrastructure project for southern Bangladesh's regional connectivity. The feasibility study was carried out with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Feasibility Study Results
The KOICA-backed feasibility study assessed the project from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. The economic internal rate of return (EIRR) reached 14.2%, exceeding the 12% benchmark, while the benefit-cost ratio stood at 1.38, confirming the project's economic viability. From an engineering standpoint, the strongest tidal currents and weak ground conditions in the Meghna estuary were identified as the main challenges, and the design reflects lessons from the Padma Bridge experience.
| Item | Value | Benchmark | Assessment | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EIRR | 14.2% | 12% or higher | Pass | Includes transport and medical access benefits |
| B/C Ratio | 1.38 | 1.0 or higher | Pass | 30-year analysis period |
| FIRR | 8.7% | 10% or higher | Below target | Limited toll revenue potential |
| Environmental Impact | Grade B+ | Separate review if A or higher | Manageable | Fishery compensation required |
| Traffic at Opening | 6,500 vehicles/day | - | - | Ferry shift plus induced demand |
| Construction Period | 5 years | - | - | Two-phase implementation |
Engineering Challenges and Design
The Meghna estuary presents extreme hydraulic conditions, including a tidal range of 4 to 5 meters and peak current velocities of 3.5 m/s. The bridge foundations were designed as deep foundations using 3-meter-diameter steel pipe piles driven to 60 meters below the riverbed, while the main bridge section was planned as a cable-stayed bridge with a 200-meter main span. If realized as designed, it would become the longest-span bridge in Bangladesh after the Padma Bridge, whose span length is 150 meters.
Participation Pathways for Korean Companies
Because the feasibility study was funded through KOICA, the project environment is relatively favorable for Korean firms. Korean contractors that participated in the Padma Bridge project in particular hold a strong competitive position in large bridge works under comparable hydraulic conditions. Potential areas for participation include design and supervision, main bridge construction, fabrication and driving of steel pipe piles, and bridge bearing systems.