Minister for Communications Obaidul Quader on Monday told Parliament that along with local resources, the government would to utilise foreign funds to construct the much-talked-about Padma Bridge if any agency offers.
“The government has decided to construct the Padma bridge with local resources but if any fund is available from any foreign agency will also be used in this purpose,” he said while replying to a question from independent lawmaker Rustom Ali Farazi of Pitojpur-3 constituency.The minister expressed his optimism that the construction work of the Padma Bridge will start within this fiscal.
He said three firms have submitted technical proposals for construction of the main bridge while it’s tender at an estimated cost of Tk 9,172.17 crore was floated.
“The financial and technical proposals are being evaluated. After the evaluation of the proposals by June 14, the constructions of the bridge will began by this fiscal after finalising appointment of contractors in approval of the authorities concerned,” he added.
The communications minister said according to the approved RDPP the total cost to implement the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project including the main bridge and other packages is Tk 20,507.20 crore.
Replying to another question from M Abdul Latif of Chittagong-11 constituency, Obaidul Quader said the government has been implementing the construction of 20.10kms long metro rail in the city from Uttara to Motijheel at a cost of Tk 21,985.07 crore to ease the traffic congestion in the city.
He said the implementation work of the project under Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6 began on November 27 last year.
The minister said the metro rail will be able to carry over 60,000 passengers in each hour. “Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) was formed to construct, operate and maintenance of the metro rail cent per cent under the government,” he added. – Staff Reporter
