Lalon Shah Bridge | Pabna

Information

Landmark: Lalon Shah Bridge
City: Pabna
Country: Bangladesh
Continent: Asia

Lalon Shah Bridge, Pabna, Bangladesh, Asia

The Lalon Shah Bridge is a road bridge spanning the Padma River, connecting the districts of Pabna and Kushtia in Bangladesh.

It is a significant transportation link facilitating movement between these two regions.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is a concrete and steel structure with a total length of 1.8 kilometers. It features a multi-span design with large concrete piers supporting the deck. The roadway is asphalt-surfaced and accommodates two lanes of vehicular traffic. The bridge's color is predominantly grey concrete with steel railings painted in a dark color.

Location & Access Logistics

The Lalon Shah Bridge is situated approximately 15 kilometers south of Pabna city center. Access from Pabna is via National Highway 4 (N4) heading south, then turning onto Regional Highway 104 (R104) towards the river. From Kushtia, access is via National Highway 4 (N4) heading north. Ample parking is available at designated areas on both the Pabna and Kushtia sides of the bridge. Public transport, including buses and auto-rickshaws, regularly cross the bridge, connecting the two cities.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Lalon Shah Bridge began in 2001 and was completed in 2004. It was built by the China Major Bridge Engineering Company. The bridge was constructed to improve transportation efficiency and reduce travel time between the western and central regions of Bangladesh, alleviating pressure on older ferry services. The Padma River is a major distributary of the Ganges, characterized by its wide, sandy channels and seasonal fluctuations in water level.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the river's flow and the surrounding landscape from the bridge deck is possible. Pedestrian walkways are available on both sides for walking and viewing. Photography of the bridge structure and the river is a common activity. Fishing from the riverbanks near the bridge approaches can be observed.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the toll plazas on both ends of the bridge. Shade is limited to the pedestrian walkways. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available across the bridge. Food vendors and small shops are located near the toll plazas on both sides.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions for the bridge and river. The dry season, from November to March, offers the most stable weather with lower river levels. The monsoon season (June to October) can result in higher river levels and increased water flow.

Facts & Legends

The bridge is named after the influential Bengali mystic and folk poet Lalon Shah, who lived in the region. A local anecdote suggests that during construction, workers encountered unusually strong river currents, which were attributed by some to the river's spirit. The bridge's construction significantly reduced the travel time between Pabna and Kushtia from several hours to under one hour.