The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), which is conducting a feasibility study, in its first progress report said yesterday Mawa-Janjira and Paturia-Gualundo sites should be preferred to Dohar-Charbhadrashan and Chandpur-Bhedarganj sites to build the bridge over the Padma.

The report put the length of the proposed bridge both at Mawa and Paturia sites at around 6.1 kilometres with 80 and 90 metre guide bunds respectively.

When the Padma Bridge is constructed, the 4.75-km-long Jamuna Bridge will be the second longest bridge in the country.

Team leader of the feasibility study Minoru Shibuya presented the report to Communications Minister Nazmul Huda at a function at the Shetu Bhaban.

The team however said it would carry out further studies to pick one from the two primarily selected two sites. The site selection may be finalised in its next report likely to be submitted in February next year, said an official of the study team.

The study team will evaluate topographic and bathymetric condition, sub-soil structure, river behaviour and environmental and social impact before finalising the bridge construction site.

Jica appointed Nippon Koei Company Limited to complete the feasibility study within 22 months from May this year. The study team will submit to the government five reports including the final one during the period, communications ministry sources said.

Asked about reasons behind dropping the Dohar and Chandpur sites, a study team official said, "Those were not found feasible considering low traffic demand, river stability, highway planning and preliminary bridge design conditions."

After September 2004, the team will draw up preliminary designs of the bridge, river training works, foundation and other works. It will submit the final report by February 2005, sources said.

A top official however said the final report does not necessarily mean beginning of the construction of the bridge as funds must be readied for it.

Nazmul Huda thanked the Jica team for preparing the first progress report in time and said the government is committed to constructing the bridge. He also recalled Japanese assistance in other fields.