Bangladesh to Pilot Advanced Bridge Monitoring System

Bangladesh is preparing to implement a pilot Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS) on four key bridges, aiming to significantly improve structural safety and extend the lifespan of vital transport infrastructure. This initiative, spearheaded by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) with technical and financial backing from the South Korean government through KOICA, is slated for approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).

The project carries an estimated cost of Tk 115.73 crore, with South Korea contributing Tk 107.97 crore as a grant and the Bangladeshi government funding the remaining Tk 7.76 crore. The SHMS will leverage artificial intelligence and modern sensors to continuously monitor the structural integrity of the bridges. This real-time surveillance will detect anomalies such as cracks, deformation, overloads, and unusual vibrations, enabling proactive maintenance.

The four selected bridges, Madhumati (Kalna), Kamarkhali, Demra, and Tora, were chosen based on factors including their structural materials, types, ages, and geographical locations. The Madhumati (Kalna) Bridge, in particular, is crucial for maintaining smooth land-based import-export operations through the Benapole and Bhomra land ports, given India's position as Bangladesh's second-largest trade partner.

Beyond monitoring, the project includes preparing repair designs and executing necessary structural repairs for the Kamarkhali, Demra, and Tora bridges. A central Integrated Bridge Maintenance Center will be established at the RHD headquarters in Dhaka to oversee bridge conditions nationwide. If the pilot phase proves successful, the government intends to deploy this smart monitoring system across other major bridges throughout the country.