‘Padma bridge future of dev’

Padma bridge will be opened for public in June next year and development of the country will evolve centring the bridge in future, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said yesterday.

Quader, also the general secretary of Awami League, made the comment while visiting the under-construction bridge.

The total project witnessed 84 percent progress so far while the main bridge and river training -- two major components of the fast-track project -- saw 92pc and 79pc progress so far, he said.

He said construction works for Lebukhali and Kalna bridges are going on in line with the Padma bridge. Besides, turning Faridpur-Bhanga-Barishal and Khulna-Mongla highways into four lanes are now at planning level, he said.

The bridge would not only connect Dhaka with the 19 southern districts, it would connect Mongla port; under-construction Paira port; Benapole and Bhomra land ports; Kuakata and Sundarbans -- two major tourist spots; and thus economy of the country will thrive.

He said works for constructing roads and rail tracks over the double-decker bridge is also on going. Besides, gas line and submarine cable would cross the river through the bridge, he added.

Project Director Shafiqul Islam was present there, among others. 

Construction of the bridge started in November 2014 to connect the country's southwestern region with the capital via road and rail at the cost of Tk 30,193 crore.

Once in service, the 6.15km-long bridge is expected to boost the country's gross domestic product by 1.2 percent.