DHAKA, May 12, 2020 (BSS) -The overall progress of the construction of
much-awaited Padma Multipurpose Bridge reached 79 percent amid the nationwide
shutdown trigged by the coronavirus ((COVID-19) outbreak.
“We have completed 87 percent construction work of the main bridge so far,
as works continued following the health instruction during the COVID-19
pandemic,” Project Director of Padma Multipurpose Bridge Md Shafiqul Islam
told BSS today over phone.
According to Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) officials, the installation
of the 29th span of the Padma Bridge at Mawa point in Munshiganj on May 4
made visible 4.35 kilometers of the 6.15-km bridge.
“We have a plan to install the 30th span of the bridge towards the end of
this month (May) following the health instructions and maintaining quarantine
rules strictly. Our workers and technicians were staying at their dormitories
where none is allowed to enter from outside, ” Islam said.
With the installation of the 150-metre span, total 29 spans out of 41 were
installed in phases, he added.
On April 11, the 28th span of the Padma Bridge was installed at Zazira
point in Shariatpur.
Earlier, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the plying
of vehicles on the Padma Bridge is expected to begin by June 2021.
It seemed that the dream of millions of people, especially those in the
southern region of the country, is coming true.
According to project details, the 6.15-km bridge will have a total of 41
spans, each 150 meters long. The first span of the Padma Bridge was installed
at the Janjira point of Shariatpur on October 7, 2017. This was followed by
the installation of the second span on January 28. The third span was
installed on March 11. The fourth and fifth spans of the bridge were
installed on May 13 and June 29 respectively.
The construction of all approach roads on both sides of the bridge has been
completed, while other components are also falling into place steadily.
“The spans are being installed one after another to open the bridge for
commuters,” the minister said.
The government, for the first time, is implementing such a mega project
like Padma Bridge with own funds. This has been possible because of the
credible leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and it has definitely
enhanced Bangladesh’s image globally, political leaders opined to this
correspondent.
They said with the implementation of the Padma Bridge project, the pledges
of the Awami League-led government are being fulfilled.
The Padma Bridge rail link project has witnessed 23 percent physical
progress so far, the project director, Golam Fakruddin A Chowdhury, earlier
said.
As per the project details, the construction of the 6.15-kilometre long
Padma Bridge is going on in full swing amid the nationwide shutdown with the
target of completing it within the stipulated time.
On October 14, 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled the name plaque
of Padma Bridge Toll Plaza at the Mawa end.
According to experts, the national economy is expected to witness 1.2 per
cent GDP growth rate, while 0.84 per cent poverty will be reduced every year
after completion of the bridge to be built with an estimated cost of Taka
30,193.39 crore.