The multipurpose Padma Bridge is expected to be inaugurated by the end of June, however, the exact date of inauguration still depends on the Prime Minister’s schedule.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister and General Secretary of Awami League Obaidul Quader said this after a board meeting with Bangladesh Bridge Authority at Setu Bhaban in Mahakhali on Wednesday.

He said, “There is no reason to be confused about the inauguration of the Padma Bridge. As a minister, I have surely mentioned that the bridge will be inaugurated this June.”

Obaidul Quader said, “We are preparing to inaugurate the Padma Bridge by the end of next month. We are sending a summary in this regard to the Prime Minister. We are at the final stages, a few final works are left to be completed. They are expected to be completed this month. If Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gives her consent, the Padma Bridge will be inaugurated at the end of June.”

“We have decided on some issues in today’s board meeting. Several important projects are being implemented under the bridge department. Among these, the highest priority project of the Prime Minister is the Padma Multipurpose Bridge,” added Obaidul Quader.

Regarding the progress of the works on the bridge, the minister said, “The progress of the main bridge implementation work is 98 percent, river training is 92 percent, road carpeting of the main bridge, is 91 percent and overall bridge project implementation work is 93.50 percent.”

Replying to a question on naming the bridge, the minister said, “We have repeatedly tried to convince the Prime Minister that there is a strong demand for naming the bridge - Sheikh Hasina Padma Bridge. But the Prime Minister is not agreeing. In the summary of the inauguration that we will be sent to the Prime Minister, the name ‘Sheikh Hasina Padma Bridge’ will be proposed again. She will decide the name, it is his prerogative.”

Replying to a question on the toll rates of Padma Bridge, the Minister for Road Transport and Bridges said, “We have sent a summary of the toll to the Prime Minister. We are waiting for her approval.”

Asked about the rail link to the Padma Bridge, he said that work on the rail link would start in July.

The bridge minister said that another important project is the construction of a tunnel under the Karnafuli River. The overall progress of the tunnel project is 85 percent. Hopefully this year the tunnel will see the light.