1.   Detail Design and Construction of Bangabandhu Railway Bridge Environmental Study on Environmental Quality Monitoring and Baseline Environmental Survey.

Social Study for Bangabandhu Railway Bridge Construction Project (BRBCP) (JICA LOAN AGREEMENT BD-P92, CONTRACT NO.54.01.0000.630.07.001.15 (Part-1)-75) – Social Impact Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement Plan

The Government of the People’s Republic of the Bangladesh (GOB), through the Bangladesh Railway (BR) of Ministry of Railways is implementing the Second Bangabandhu Railway Bridge, where part of the overall project cost shall be covered from the National Budget and the rest amount shall be the financial assistance under the ODA Loan provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

A dedicated railway bridge across the river Jamuna has been conceptualised to run in parallel to the existing Bangabandhu Bridge with an overall view to improve the capacity of transportation system and also to ensure safety of railway transportation in Bangladesh. The proposed rail bridge thereby facilitates an efficient logistic and transportation network within the Country and contributes towards an improved network with the neighbouring Countries in South Asia.

The Project will construct a dedicated railway bridge with provision of dual gauge double track over the river Jamuna parallel to the existing Bangabandhu Bridge. The project component includes the following:

•  Railway track length approximately 4.8 km.  Railway viaduct length approximately 0.3 km.
•  Railway approach road length approximately 6.2 km.
• Minor bridges & culverts on railway approach section; and
• Renovation & remodelling of Bangabandhu Setu East Station and Bangabandhu Setu West Station with Computer Based Interlocking Signalling System.

Baseline Environmental Survey:

•   Carry out sampling and testing activities for environmental quality monitoring
•   Conduct various baseline environmental survey.
•   Fish species survey to identify the abundant, type and habitat area of different fish species.
•   Conducted ecological survey within 5km buffer zone.
•   Preparation of inventory on flora and fauna.
•   Identification of critical ecological species and determine its protection status.
•   Assessment of biodiversity.
•   Identification of potential impacts on existing ecosystem.
•   Assist with the migratory bird’s survey to know types/species of birds visiting the area.
•   Carry out Gangetic Dolphins survey up to 2km towards both upstream and downstream from the bridge location.
•   Conduct survey at Bangabandhu Eco Park.
•   Tree counting survey.
•   Carry out char land survey by Focus Group Discussion, personal interactions, and interviews.

Social Survey:

Social Impact Assessment for construction of proposed railway bridge has been analyzed and presented in study reports for further consideration and necessary actions to be taken by the Project Authority. These considerations may lead to positive livelihood development due to the proposed bridge construction. A baseline socio-economic survey has been conducted for this in the project influencing area, such as, Nikrail Union in Bhuapur Upazila of Tangail District, and Soydabad Union in Sirajganj Sadar Upazila of Sirajganj district.

The social study is undertaken with the objective of understanding the socio-economic and livelihood status as well as the probable project influences on the mainland and char dependent population. The study includes questionnaire survey, community consultations with all level stakeholders, focused group discussions with various occupational groups and key informant’s interviews with local experts/officials, non-government organizations, civil society members for assessment of scope of livelihoods and income generation opportunities and further requirements for enhancement or restoration or upgrading the livelihood conditions and standards.

Reporting / Deliverables:

•   Preparation of Inception Report.
•   Preparation of Environmental Quality Monitoring Test Report.
•   Preparation of Baseline Environmental Survey Report.
•   Preparation of Stakeholder Consultation Report.