The work order for the main Padma Bridge construction will be issued in the first week of June, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said on Friday.
Talking to reporters during his visit to the bridge site in Lohajong upazila in the morning, Quader said the work order will be issued in early June though it was supposed to be done at the end of that month.Replying to a query, the minister said the work order is likely to be given to China Major Bridge Engineering Co Ltd if the proposal submitted by the firm does not go against the national interest. Quader, also the ruling Awami League presidium member, said Mawa Ferry Ghat (terminal) is being shifted to Shimulia due to hasty start in the construction works on the bridge.
However, he said that the Mawa Ghat will be relocated to Kandipara permanently, for which one year’s time is needed.
The construction work on the river protection embankment in Mawa is almost complete, the minister said adding that the highway from Mawa to Babu Bazar Bridge will be upgraded to a four-lane one.
Mentioning that they are giving much emphasis on the river training works on the bridge project, Quader said four firms will submit their financial proposals on May 29for the work involving Tk 7,000 crore.
The government has decided to construct the much-talked-about bridge over the Padma River with its own funds after the World Bank cancelled its promised fund for the project over graft allegation in consultant appointment. – UNB
