Impact of Padma Bridge on transportation system: a case study for Barisal Division

This study aims to identify Padma Bridge’s impact on Barisal Division’s transportation system. Through an extensive literature analysis, a total of 19 impact factors have been identified. A questionnaire was formed to evaluate public perception by rating these 19 factors using a Likert scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (very good). A total of 614 responses were collected from the users of different transportation modes like buses, passenger ferries, and aeroplanes. A structural equation (SE) model was developed to evaluate the impact of the Padma Bridge on the transportation system. The relative importance index (RII) technique was also used to verify the SE model by establishing the weights given to each factor. According to the SEM path coefficient value, the impact factors are divided into three zones: red, yellow, and green, based on their significance. Among 19 factors, nine are in the red zone, three are in the yellow zone, and seven factors fall into the green zone. Due to the Padma Bridge, there has been a radical change in the bus sector. Destinations are being reached in less time, new buses are connected, daily bus trips have increased, and goods are transported in less time. On the contrary, passenger ferries are experiencing a sharp decline in passenger numbers, daily trips are reducing, and staff members are losing their jobs. The outcome of this study will help the authorities and stakeholders to establish a sustainable transportation system in Barisal Division.