Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has signed a contract with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) joint venture to rehabilitate the deck of Jamuna Bridge and convert its long-abandoned rail lane into a motorable carriageway.

The agreement was signed Wednesday at the BBA conference room, aiming to significantly ease traffic pressure on one of the country's most critical transport arteries.

BBA Chief Engineer Kazi Md Ferdaus signed the agreement on behalf of the authority while Wang Benqian signed for the CCCC-CRBC JV.

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The project involves deck renovation, widening and structural capacity enhancement of the bridge, with the disused rail lane, rendered idle after rail traffic was separated from the bridge, to be converted for vehicular use.

This will add 3.5 metres to the bridge's existing road width.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Altaf said higher authorities have directed that the expansion work be completed on time and to standard in order to reduce public suffering.

“Jamuna Bridge is an inseparable part of our national economy,” he said, adding that the project marks a significant milestone in modernising the bridge and ensuring its long-term durability.

He said once the renovation is complete, travel between the northern and southern regions of the country will become smoother and economic activity will gain momentum.

Senior officials from the Bridge Division and BBA, along with senior representatives of the CCCC-CRBC JV, attended the ceremony.

The Jamuna Bridge, which connects Bangladesh's northern and southern regions, has long faced mounting traffic pressure.

Officials and stakeholders at the event expressed confidence that the rehabilitation will make the bridge a more durable and effective transport corridor in the years ahead.