Jamuna Bridge Research Articles

Linking East and West Bangladesh: The Jamuna Bridge Project

Abstract: The Jamuna Bridge project is a case that illustrates an integrated approach to project appraisal. An integrated approach allows analysts to examine financial, economic, distributive, and risk analysis in conjunction with each other such that no single aspect is left to be examined in isolation. The economic analysis, which looks at the project’s impact on Bangladesh’s overall economy, presents a method of computing the real economic benefits of the bridge, including savings in vehicle operating costs, and the value of time savings gained by passenger and freight traffic. The financial analysis of such an infrastructure project checks on the sustainability of the service agency (the Bridge Authority) over time. Sensitivity and risk analyses are central to the evaluation of this project because they identify the most critical variables and allow a probability distribution of values to be used in the model, rather than a single deterministic value. The distributive analysis identifies who would gain or lose if the bridge project was undertaken, which, in turn, indicates who would be likely supporters or opponents of the project.

A study on the Floods in West Bengal and West Uttar Pradesh during September-October 1956

In connection with the study of extensive floods during September and October 1956 in West Bengal and parts of Uttar Pradesh, old records of rainfall dating from 1891 were examined. Several periods of heavy rainfall during the period, end of September to beginning of October, were found. Detailed examination of the district rainfall, with the help of standard deviation and coefficient of variation of daily rainfall during the chosen period revealed considerable variability within the district. One case (1922) has been studied further by considering the isohyets during the period of heavy rainfall. In the case of Jamuna Floods a few self-recording rain gauges in the mountainous catchment were used to prepare the intensity-pattern. These on comparison with the hydrograph at Tajewala show striking characteristics. Delhi self, recording raingauge records and Jamuna Bridge river gauge records; have also been examined. It is concluded from the above studies that the heavy rainfalls towards the end of September and early October 1966 were not absolutely unique. Cases of early occurrence of heavy rainfall during the same period are available, thus showing that heavy rainfall have occurred in the past during the period, end of September and early October when there were on atomic or thermo-nuclear explosions polluting the atmosphere, contrary to a popular view which seems to have gained ground that the heavy rainfalls are unique and direct result of atomic explosions.