�In the meantime, at least 27 per cent work on the project and 80 per cent service work has been completed�
No more a dream
Main work of Padma Multipurpose Bridge
to be inaugurated by Sheikh Hasina today
ABU JAKIR, back from Mawa
The much-talked about Padma Multipurpose Bridge will no longer be a distant dream for the people of Bangladesh, what with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina slated to inaugurate the main piling work of the bridge along with river training today. After kicking off main construction work, the Prime Minister will first attend a citizens rally and later, a public rally.
Work on the countrys biggest infrastructural project is going on in full swing. As discovered by this correspondent, after a spot visit to the project site on the banks of the Padma along with a bunch of journalists from Dhaka on Thursday, work on the bridge is expected to be completed by 2018.
It hasnt been easy though as the incumbent government had to face a barrage of criticism after the World Bank (WB) cancelled the promised $1.2b fund for the bridge. Overcoming all odds however, the present government, in early 2013, decided to go ahead with the project on its own steam.
In the meantime, at least 27 per cent work on the project and 80 per cent service work has been completed. I hope the rest of the work on the bridge will be completed by the stipulated time, said Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, who was present when this correspondent, along with other reporters, visited the project site on Thursday.
It is another victory in the month of victory. It has become possible only because of the Prime Ministers determination, commitment and her astute leadership, he declared.
Meanwhile, the area wore a festive look, with locals prepping for the PMs visit. Resident Sakhawat Hossain told this correspondent, We are very excited as our long cherished dream is going to come true. Besides, our PM will be here on Saturday so we are very thrilled.
The PMs Deputy Press Secretary Mamun-or-Rashid told reporters that the incumbent government has been implementing the project, foiling local and foreign conspiracies to halt the countrys economic progress.
During the visit to the project site, huge cranes were seen ready to lift heavy construction equipment. Earth-moving equipment was being used for road construction. Army personnel were seen busy giving directives to workers and monitoring approach road works. Sand, stones and bricks had been piled up around the project area. Some workers were seen to make blocks with automatic machines at Jajira point of the project. According to site engineers, 12,000 pieces of blocks have already been manufactured for the river training.
The multipurpose road-rail bridge, which will connect 19 southern districts with the capital city and other districts, is being built at an estimated cost of Tk. 23,000 crore, and is expected to be completed by 2018. It will help grow the national economy and raise the GDP by 1.23 per cent. As per design of the bridge, vehicles will ply the upper portion while trains will ply the lower portion.
The key work of the project is being handled by China Major Bridge Engineering Company while another Chinese firm, Sinohydro Corporation, is looking after river training. Work on building approach roads is being jointly carried out by Bangladeshs Abdul Monem Limited and Malaysias Highway Construction Management. The Bangladesh Army has been supervising approach road and service area work while Expressway has been entrusted with river training. A China Village has also been set up to house several hundred engineers and workers of China Major Bridge Engineering Company.
