en.Wedoany.com Reported - The renovation project of the Sixth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, undertaken by China Railway 18th Bureau Group, has entered a rapid advancement phase. Spanning 1,521 meters across the Dhaleshwari River in Bangladesh, this bridge is one of China's key aid projects to the country. Since its opening to traffic in 2008, it has become a vital passage for residents of Mushiganj Upazila.
Due to prolonged high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and continuous use, some bridge facilities have experienced aging and wear. To ensure traffic safety, in June 2025, China's Ministry of Commerce and Bangladesh's Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges signed the "Implementation Agreement for the Renovation Project of the Sixth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge in Bangladesh," with China Railway 18th Bureau Group responsible for execution.
Mushiganj Upazila experiences high temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round, with weak transportation infrastructure and difficulties in material transportation. The project team has implemented China's mature foreign aid project management system locally, adhering to high standards and strict construction guidelines to ensure the project progresses as planned.
The project team focused on planning and designing aspects such as main bridge seismic resistance, safety facilities, and inspection platforms, aiming to enhance the bridge's safety resilience and improve its functionality. From meticulous anti-corrosion treatment of steel structures and precise control of concrete strength, to the gradual upgrade of seismic devices, new guardrails, and inspection platforms, all work strictly adhered to the acceptance standards of China's Ministry of Commerce for foreign aid projects. Full-process refined management was implemented, with complete archives kept for each procedure and repeated verification of all data, building the bridge's safety resilience with craftsmanship.
Alongside construction, the project team promoted localized collaborative development, prioritizing the recruitment of labor from surrounding villages and towns, providing stable income for nearly a hundred local families. Technical backbone conducted on-site practical teaching, imparting safety regulations and construction techniques to local workers. They also established six phases of regular training sessions, teaching monthly on bridge defect treatment and maintenance techniques, breaking down technical points based on local river and bridge conditions, cultivating local infrastructure talent for Bangladesh.
In July 2026, the project underwent its mid-term quality acceptance inspection. An expert group dispatched by China's Ministry of Commerce conducted a comprehensive review of the physical works and documentation. After on-site inspection, the project quality was rated as "Excellent," and its comprehensive management level was recognized as a benchmark for foreign aid projects.
A relevant official from the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh stated that achieving an excellent rating in this mid-term acceptance reflects the construction strength of China Railway 18th Bureau Group, demonstrates the construction capability and standardized management proficiency of Chinese enterprises, and represents a fruit of China-Bangladesh people's livelihood cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
