Construction of main bridge starts this month: Quader

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said the physical works of the main Padma Multipurpose Bridge begins this month and it is expected to be opened for vehicular movement in 2108. ‘Meantime, the construction of approach roads and other construction works of the bridge have started by already spending Tk 25 billion, while total construction cost of the two-storey bridge is estimated to be not more than three billion US dollar,’ he told the House while replying to a question of Treasury bench member Fajilatun Nesa Bappi. The minister said the estimated cost for the construction of main bridge is Tk 121 billion while about 90 billion taka is estimated to be for the river-training. Answering to a supplementary question of ruling party lawmaker Hazi Mohammad Selim, Quader said, ‘There is no barrier to construct this project (construction of Padma Bridge) right now. It's a visible reality at this moment.’ He said the government has already compensated all affected families due to the construction work and ‘If anyone is found deprived of due compensation for any reason, he or she will get it through the deputy commissioner (DC)’, according to BSS.