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The government has approved a project worth Tk 3,263.63 crore to build the first steel arch bridge over the Brahmaputra as part of connectivity with Dhaka-Mymensingh-India border corridor.
The approval came from a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council with its chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
The premier joined the meeting virtually from her official Ganobhaban residence while ministers and state ministers joined the meeting from the NEC Conference Room in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
Planning minister MA Mannan briefed the reporters after the meeting.
While briefing the reporters, planning minister MA Mannan said, “The ECNEC has approved eight projects with an estimated cost of Tk 5,441.63 crore.”
“Of the total project cost, Tk 3,332.72 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh, Tk 47.93 crore from the concerned organization’s own fund while the rest Tk 2,060.98 crore as project assistance,” he added.
Of the approved eight projects, seven are new while one is a revised project.
The Kewatkhali Bridge project will be implemented by the Roads and Highways Department under the Road Transport and Highways Division. The bridge is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Mannan said the project aims to reduce congestion and improve connectivity with the northern districts. Under the project, a 6.2 kilometer four-lane road will be constructed.
Out of the total cost for the bridge project, Tk 1,353.83 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh while the rest Tk 1,909.79 crore as project assistance from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
The project will connect the economic zones with the capital city Dhaka as well as the EPZs for boosting the overall trade and economy of the country.
The ECNEC also approved a project styled “Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management (DoF Part) (CSAWMP)” with Tk 106.25 crore to introduce climate smart technologies for further increasing the fish production in the country.
“Climate Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project” will play a vital role for environment-friendly fish production, combating the challenges of climate changes in the country,’’ said the minister.
It will be implemented at 29 upazilas in 18 districts under eight divisions across Bangladesh, he also said.
Of the total Tk 106 crore, the International Development Association of the World Bank will provide Tk 85 crore while the rest Tk 24.25 crore will come from the government exchequer.
The Department of Fisheries will implement the project from July 2021 to June 2026 to benefit 600 poor fishermen for their alternative employment through this project.
The main components of the project are- establishing 145 nurseries at Beels, re-digging 194 water bodies and other activities.
The other projects approved at the ECNEC meeting are-Urban Resilience Project: Dhaka North City Corporation Part (DNCC Part), 1st revised with an additional cost of Tk 66.18 crore, Development of Madarganj-Koira-Monsurnagar (Kazipur)-Abdullah Mor(Sarishabari)-Dhonbari road with Tk 685.13 crore, Massive technology-based integrated resource management for poverty alleviation project with Tk 209.17 crore, River protection of Dhepa, Punorbhoba and Tangon Rivers in Dinajpur district with Tk 180.05 crore and Capacity enhancement of existing grid substation and transmission line with Tk 774.86 crore.
