Lalon Shah Bridge

District:Kushtia•Division:Khulna

historical

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2/16/2026

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About

Lalon Shah Bridge (officially Lalon Shah Setu) is a modern road bridge spanning the Padma River near Paksey, connecting Kushtia district with Pabna.

Named after the great Baul saint Fakir Lalon Shah, the bridge is both a vital transportation link for southwestern Bangladesh and a popular spot for visitors who come to enjoy the spectacular river views.

The Bridge

Completed in 2004, the Lalon Shah Bridge is 1.8 kilometers long — running parallel to the older Hardinge Bridge which sits just a few hundred meters away.

While the Hardinge Bridge carries the railway, this bridge carries the main road connecting Kushtia, Jhenaidah, and southwestern Bangladesh to Pabna, Rajshahi, and the north.

The bridge has become a symbol of modern connectivity for the region.

Why Visitors Come

The bridge itself is not a traditional tourist attraction in the usual sense, but it draws visitors for several reasons:

•The views from the bridge of the Padma River are breathtaking, especially during monsoon when the river is at its widest

•The side-by-side view of the old Hardinge Bridge and the modern Lalon Shah Bridge makes for a fascinating contrast between colonial-era and modern engineering

•The sunset views from or near the bridge are among the most spectacular in the Kushtia area

•Driving across the bridge gives you a sense of the enormous scale of the Padma River

A Paired Visit

Most visitors combine the Lalon Shah Bridge with the Hardinge Bridge since they are right next to each other.

Seeing both bridges together — one from 1915 and one from 2004 — tells the story of Bangladesh's infrastructure development over nearly a century.

Visitor Information

Entry Fee

No entry fee.

The bridge is a public road and freely accessible.

Opening Hours

The bridge is a public road and accessible 24 hours.

For sightseeing, visit during daylight hours for the best views.

Sunset time is the most popular.

Time Needed

30 minutes to 1 hour if visiting the bridge alone.

Most visitors combine it with Hardinge Bridge right next door, making the total visit 2-3 hours.

Best Time to Visit

Sunset - The absolute best time.

The wide Padma River reflects the sky beautifully, and both bridges create stunning silhouettes.

Winter (November-February) - Clear skies and pleasant weather.

The exposed sandy riverbanks below add to the scenery.

Monsoon (July-September) - The Padma at full flood is awe-inspiring.

The bridge over the vast, swollen river is a dramatic sight.

Estimated Cost

Same as Hardinge Bridge since they are at the same location:

•From Kushtia by CNG: 200-300 BDT one way

•Tea/snacks: 20-50 BDT

•Total: 250-500 BDT per person including transport.

How to Reach

Lalon Shah Bridge is right next to Hardinge Bridge near Paksey, about 25 km from Kushtia town.

From Kushtia: CNG auto-rickshaw costs 200-300 BDT (40-50 minutes).

You can also take local buses toward Paksey/Ishwardi (50-80 BDT).

From Dhaka: You can drive directly across the Lalon Shah Bridge if coming from the Pabna/Rajshahi direction.

Alternatively, take a train to Paksey Junction and walk.

Tip: Always combine with Hardinge Bridge — they are practically at the same spot.

Facilities

At the Bridge

•Paved road with sidewalk sections for pedestrians

•Views of the Padma River from the bridge

•Tea stalls and shops on both ends of the bridge

•Paksey Railway Station nearby

Not Available

•No formal viewpoints or rest areas on the bridge

•No washroom facilities on the bridge (use Paksey station or Ishwardi town)

•No parking on the bridge — park at the approach roads

•Traffic can be heavy — be careful as a pedestrian

Things to Do

Sightseeing

•Walk across the bridge and enjoy panoramic Padma River views

•See both the modern Lalon Shah Bridge and the colonial-era Hardinge Bridge side by side

•Watch river traffic — boats, ferries, and fishing vessels below

•Enjoy sunset views from the bridge or the nearby riverbank

Photography

•Wide-angle shots of the Padma River from the bridge

•Both bridges together in one frame

•Sunset and golden hour photography

•River life below the bridge

Combined with Hardinge Bridge

•Visit both bridges in a single trip

•Compare the engineering styles across a century

•Walk along the riverbank between the two bridges

Do's and Don'ts

DO

✓Use the pedestrian walkway sections when walking on the bridge

✓Be aware of traffic — this is an active road bridge

✓Visit during sunset for the best experience

✓Combine with Hardinge Bridge for a complete visit

✓Take photos but stay alert to traffic around you

DON'T

✗Don't stop vehicles in the middle of the bridge to take photos — it blocks traffic and is dangerous

✗Don't climb on the railings or lean over the edge

✗Don't litter from the bridge into the river

✗Don't walk in the vehicle lane — use sidewalk areas

✗Don't swim in the river below — currents are extremely strong near bridge pillars

Safety Tips

Traffic Safety

•This is a busy road bridge — always be alert to vehicles

•Walk on the sidewalk, not in the road lane

•Do not stop suddenly or step into traffic for photos

•Be extra careful during rush hours

Bridge Safety

•Do not climb railings or lean over the edge

•Hold children's hands while walking on the bridge

•Wind can be strong on the bridge — secure hats and loose items

River Safety

•Do not attempt to access the river from the bridge

•Currents near bridge pillars are extremely dangerous

Emergency Contacts

•National Emergency: 999

•Nearest Hospital: Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex (3 km)

•Kushtia District Hospital: 071-61075 (25 km)

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