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Railways, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has dismissed concerns over the removal of soil beneath the Padma Bridge Rail Link viaduct, saying the work is being carried out in accordance with the project’s approved design and poses no risk to the structure’s safety.
Speaking at a programme in Aliganj of Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Thursday, the minister said the excavation is a planned component of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project and not an unplanned activity, as some reports have suggested.
“The soil has been removed because it is necessary for the project. The work is being implemented strictly in line with the approved design and contractual provisions. It does not threaten the safety of the viaduct in any way,” he said.
Before the minister’s remarks, Project Director Brig Gen Abul Hasnat Mohammad Sayem gave a detailed presentation explaining the engineering rationale behind the soil removal, the project’s design specifications and the structural safety measures incorporated into the viaduct.
Referring to recent media reports, Sheikh Robiul Alam said some coverage had created the impression that the viaduct was at risk because of the excavation, leading to unnecessary public concern.
“The reality is completely different,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of the railway infrastructure.
The minister explained that during the construction of the 16.76-kilometre Dhaka-Mawa section of the Padma Bridge Rail Link, temporary earth filling was carried out in low-lying wetland areas to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and construction materials.
He noted that such temporary filling is a common engineering practice used in major infrastructure projects around the world. Once construction is completed, the temporary fill is removed to restore the land to its original level, and this process is included in the project’s approved contract.
According to the minister, temporary fill has already been removed from 14.41 kilometres of the alignment, with only 2.34 kilometres remaining.
He said an average of about 5.5 feet of soil is being excavated to restore the original ground level. Beneath that level lies an eight-foot layer before the six-foot-thick pile cap, while the viaduct’s foundation piles extend approximately 200 feet underground.
“All of these elements have been designed and constructed based on detailed engineering calculations. Therefore, the removal of soil has no adverse impact on the structural stability or safety of the viaduct,” he said.
Responding to questions from journalists, the minister acknowledged local residents’ concerns and said the government, Bangladesh Railway and other relevant authorities are closely monitoring the work.
He added that both the Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Railway have been implementing the project with the highest level of professionalism and responsibility, urging the public not to be misled by misinformation and to remain confident about the safety of the project.