Tk 2.0b diverted from Padma Bridge project fund to RHD

The Planning Commission (PC) has finally diverted Tk 2.0 billion of the total Padma Bridge project allocation to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in the proposed RADP this year, as requested by the Communications Minister, officials said.
Earlier, the Bridges Division had refused to allow the diversion of Tk 5.10 billion, as sought by the Minister and said it could divert only Tk 2.0 billion funds from the allocation of the ongoing US$ 2.9 billion Padma Bridge project.
The Bridges Division said it needs the money for continuing the Padma Bridge first-track project.
Communications Minister Obaidul Quader in late February requested the Planning Commission (PC) to divert Tk 5.10 billion funds from the Padma Bridge project's Tk 25.74 billion allocation to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP), officials said.
In response to the Communications Minister's request, the Bridge Division had urged the PC not to divert the Tk 5.10 billion funds to the RHD in the RADP as sought by Mr Obaidul Quader, a senior PC official said.
The Bridges Division had said they had already started building the approach road of the Padma Bridge which would require paying the bills to the contractor.
The construction of the Padma Bridge approach roads at Mawa and Jajira is progressing fast. The contracts for main bridge construction, river training and supervision consultancy are likely to be awarded by June this year, which would then necessitate advance payment, the Division said.
Moreover, the Padma Bridge project is among the government's six fast-track projects. So, utmost attention has to be paid so that its progress is not hampered for want of funds, the Division official added.
The Bridges Division has already spent Tk 2.60 billion in July-January period of the current fiscal 2013-14 from the Tk 25.74 billion outlay of the Padma Bridge project.
Meanwhile, the PC has proposed slashing the Roads Division's allocation by Tk 4.03 billion in the RADP from the original outlay of Tk 24.73 billion in the current allocations in FY2013-14.
The Communications Ministry had demanded Tk 8.69 billion additional funds from the PC for the ongoing and new projects of the RHD.
Mr Obaidul Quader in his letter to the PC said there are 144 ongoing projects under the Roads Division, including the Dhaka-Chittagong four-lane project, Dhaka-Mymensingh four-lane project and Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development project.
He said if funds are slashed from the Roads Division's allocation, these important national projects would be hampered.
The PC officials said they had already drafted the RADP for the current FY2013-14 and would seek approval of the National Economic Council soon.