Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the main construction works on Padma Bridge are unlikely to begin under the present government for various difficulties. “Works involving Tk 1,400 crore to construct approach roads of the Padma Bridge is going on right now. Besides, an international tender involving Tk 10,000 crore was floated for constructing the main bridge,” he said.
Talking to journalists at Gournadi bus stand after visiting Gournadi-Gopalganj road, the minister said, “But, it won’t be possible to start the construction work of the (main part) of the bridge during the remaining period of the government due to difficulties over tender evaluation, decision-making and funds allocation.”
Local MP advocate Talukdar Md Yunus was, among others, present.
At Gopalganj the Communication Minister claimed that all the roads and highways across the country are now in ‘very good’ shape.
He said it was not the battered condition of the roads and highways rather excessive pressure of traffic and mass exodus that caused traffic congestions during the Eid rush.
“Excessive pressure of traffic and passengers, not the battered condition of the roads and highways that created gridlocks during the Eid rush,” the minister told reporters in Kotalipara upazila after visiting Gopalganj-Kotalipara-Poysarhat road.
Quader, also a Presidium member of the ruling Awami League, said they have been able to fulfill the expectations of people improving the country’s road communication system.
He attributed the massive tailback on Dhaka-Tangail highway on Saturday and the day before to excessive pressure of traffic and passengers.
The Dhaka-Tangail highway experienced a 70-km long tailback from Friday night to Saturday noon after several vehicles had gone out of operation on the road.
Identifying the movement of unauthorised vehicles and illegal roadside establishments for traffic jams, the Awami League leader stressed the importance of concerted efforts of all to resolve the problem of traffic jam.
He further said they will take legal steps against the owners of the worn-out vehicles.
The minister also directed the authorities concerned to complete the construction works on the Gopalganj-Kotalipara-Poisarhat road by September next.
Deputy Commissioner of Goplalganj M Khalilur Rahman and Superintendent of Police of the district M Mizanur Rahman were, among others, present.
-UNB
