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In a significant move to enhance the safety and longevity of its national infrastructure, the Government of Bangladesh and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have officially signed a Record of Discussion (RoD) and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the project titled Capacity Development for Smart Maintenance Technology of Bridges under the Roads and Highways Department in Bangladesh.
The ceremony took place on Thursday, with Mirana Mahrukh, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief (Asia, JEC and F&F), Economic Relations Division (ERD), signing on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, and Taeyoung Kim, Country Director of KOICA, representing the Republic of Korea.
The project aims to revolutionise the maintenance of bridges in Bangladesh by incorporating cutting-edge smart technologies. The initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster infrastructure safety through innovative solutions, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the lifespan of the country’s critical bridge structures.
With an estimated budget of $ 8.85 million (approximately Tk108.00 crore), KOICA will provide the necessary financial backing for the successful implementation of the project. The funding will go towards building the technical capacity of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) to effectively manage bridge maintenance using modern tools and technologies.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to improve the safety and operational efficiency of Bangladesh’s bridge network by utilizing smart technology for monitoring, maintenance, and management. By adopting these advanced technologies, the project will ensure that bridges across the country are regularly assessed and maintained in an optimal condition, mitigating potential risks associated with aging infrastructure.
The project also seeks to build local expertise in the management and application of smart maintenance systems, ensuring long-term sustainability in the country’s bridge management practices.
