A state-run Chinese company has expressed interest to construct the 6km second Padma multipurpose bridge across the Paturia-Daulatdia point under the government-to-government (G-to-G) arrangement.
“We have sought foreign loans through the economic relations division (ERD) for construction of the second Padma multipurpose bridge across the Paturia-Daulatdia point,” Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said yesterday.
He said the government, in principle, has approved the preliminary development project proposal (PDPP) of the proposed bridge and decided to construct it under the public-private partnership based on the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT).
Quader said the government has decided to construct the second Padma bridge to connect Jessore, Kushtia, Magura, Jhenidah and other south-western districts with the capital city.
“After its construction, the bridge will boost commercial and trading activities between the south-western and the remaining parts of the country to create additional employment opportunities, which would help attain higher growth leading to further poverty alleviation,” he said.
According to a ministry official, the Chinese company, China Communications Construction Company, showed its interest to construct the bridge under the G-to-G arrangement.
He said the estimated cost for construction of the bridge was fixed in 2011 at $1.90bn.
The cost would rise to the tune of $ 2.54bn following a 6% price escalation but the ultimate cost would be fixed on the basis of the feasibility and detailed design of the bridge, the official added.