There is a touch of development in the south. Sustainable development in the south, including large-scale infrastructure development, ports, industrialization, factories, universities, cantonments, engineering colleges, has touched the south. The communication system has changed radically. Industrial factories and employment are developing. Besides, business relations will be established with the whole country.
The Payara Bridge will connect the southernmost Kuakata with the Dhaka region's ferry-free communication system by road. After the inauguration in October this year, the wheel of development of the entire southern region will run on this bridge which is a milestone in the new development of the current ruling Awami League government.
According to the Payara Bridge Construction Project, on March 19, 2013, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the foundation stone of the bridge over the Payara River at Lebukhali on the Dhaka-Barishal-Patuakhali Highway.
Then on July 24, 2016, the construction work of Pigeon Bridge started. The work order of the bridge project has given 33 months for construction work but the duration of the project has been extended in two phases till June 30, 2022. However, before that, the concerned authorities are working to launch the bridge by next October.
The bridge is 1,470 meters long and 19.7 meters wide with two abutments, 31 pillars, two spans of 200 meters each and 130 meters long piles at the bottom of the river.
However, it is learned that 99 percent construction work of this bridge including construction of 1,026 meters approach road, toll plaza, administrative building, electrification and four- lanes have been completed.
The Payara Bridge has been constructed in an aesthetic design in the style of the third Karnafuli Bridge in Chittagong at a potential construction cost of around Tk. 1,500 crore which is the most attractive bridge in Barishal and of the whole southern region.
According to the Tourism Corporation and local administration sources, there is huge potential in the tourism industry across the Barishal division. Especially Kuakata of Patuakhali, Payra seaport and its adjoining areas like Gangamati, Kawarchar and Barishal. In these commercial zones, various types of development oriented institutions including industrial factories are being formed in the area.
Locals and traders say the south has always been neglected. Now that the Padma and Payara bridges are fully operational, trade and commerce will expand in the south. Many small and big industrial-mills-factories including hotels-motels are being built around these two bridges.
As a result, there will be a radical change in the communication system of different departments including the capital Dhaka with the south. Besides, business relations will be developed. And along with the development of the tourism sector, new doors of possibilities will be opened.
Barisal District Awami League General Secretary and former Member of Parliament Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Talukder Yunus told Barta24.com that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of building the Padma Bridge. And it is being implemented by his worthy daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He added that the construction of the dream Padma and Payra bridges will change the socio-economic condition and livelihood of the south-west. The South is lagging behind in terms of investment and trade. The Padma and Payara bridges will create huge opportunities for the economic prosperity of this town.
Subhash Chandra Nandi, manager of Kuakata Tourism Corporation, told Barta24.com that modern standard hotels, motels and industrial establishments are being set up in different tourist areas including Payra Seaport, Gangamati, Kawarchar and Kuakata with Padma and Payra bridges in front.
With the launch of the Padma and Payara Bridges, tourists from home and abroad will be able to visit the tourist areas here in a short period of time. The Kuakata and Payra seaports will attract more tourists. In addition, if the rail connection is introduced, the communication system here will also change. This will reduce the unemployment rate in the south as well as make the traders here self-sufficient.
Payara Bridge Construction Project Director Engineer Mohammad Abdul Halim said the four -lane Payara Bridge has been built on the Payara River in Lebukhali with the aim of opening a ferry-free road link with Dhaka to Kuakata Beach and Payara Seaport.
The bridge is now fully visible after completion of the complete construction of the main bridge as per the design of the project. Now it is just waiting for the opening. After the inauguration, if the traffic starts, the long cherished dream of 5o lakh people of the coast will be fulfilled which will be a new milestone in the continuous development of the present government.
Barisal Divisional Commissioner Saiful Hasan Badal told Barta24.com that if vehicles are fully introduced on the Padma and Payara bridges of dreams, the communication system of various departments including the capital Dhaka will be radically changed. At the same time, trade relations of the southern region will be developed with these regions.
Besides, mills and factories will be set up in the whole southern region including Payra seaport. This will increase the investment of the backward people of the south and will create employment.
On Wednesday (September 15) at noon during the virtual inauguration of 11 bridges from Dhaka connecting with Barishal Division Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader MP said the Payra or Lebukhali bridge is like another Padma bridge for the people of the south. We hope that the Payara bridge at Lebukhali in Barisal will be able to move through the inauguration by next October.