Padma Bridge in one year: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said it would take 10 to 12 months to complete other works of the long-cherished Padma bridge after installation of the last span.

Quader, also the general secretary of ruling Awami League, also hoped that the 41st and also the last span would be installed by Thursday. The first span was installed in September 2017.

He was speaking at a press conference on contemporary issues at his secretariat office.

Asked whether the bridge would be opened for public on Victory Day next year, Quader said the prime minister is against the concept of inaugurating something on special day.

The 40st span of the Padma bridge was installed on December 4, making 6km stretch of the main structure visible. Only one more span is needed to complete the 6.15km-long bridge.

The current deadline of the fast-track project is June 2021, meaning project is likely to see another revision for time extension. The project cost rose to Tk 30,193 crore after several revisions.

Construction of the bridge started in November, 2015, to connect the country's southwestern region with the capital via road and rail.

Once in service, the 6.15km bridge will connect the capital with 21 southwestern districts. It is expected to boost the country's gross domestic product by 1.2 percent.

When work of most development projects was suspended due to the pandemic, Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project work continued.

But it suffered due to lack of workers -- Chinese and local -- and poor supply of construction materials since January, said officials involved with the project.

The project authority was able to bring back pace after Chinese nationals returned to work in May following the end of the two-month shutdown. But strong currents in the Padma started causing problems, they said.

No span could be installed for four months after June 10, when the 31st one was set up, due to strong currents, officials said.

Besides, at least 192 railway stingers and 220 roadway decks, supposed to be used for construction of the bridge, went into the Padma on July 31 due to erosion at a yard.

However, eight spans were installed in October and November as per target, officials said.