8 mega projects run at full speed to change economic outlook

A number of eight incumbent mega projects get going in full swing, with their overall progress being around 68 per cent till February this year. Once completed, these projects will change the country’s economic landscape and play a pivotal role in GDP growth.

The government has already spent Tk 1,54,791 crore for the projects out of the total outlay of Tk 2,27,892 crore allocated, according to the February progress report prepared by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Planning Commission.

The projects include Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Payra Port, Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Rail Link, Rampal Super Thermal Power Project, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (MRT-6), Padma Rail Link, Matarbari 2x600 Megawatt Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power and Maitree Super Thermal Power Project. Sri Lanka’s mega-projects have come under discussion recently in the context of its economic crisis.

On the issue, State Minister for Planning Prof Shamsul Alam said there is a difference between mega projects in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka did not conduct a proper feasibility study before taking up the project. As a result, their deep seaport was not effective,” he said, adding that Bangladesh did not take up any mega projects which would not be effective.

“Once these projects are completed, our economy will reach another level. These projects will play a big role in GDP growth. Besides, these mega projects are under special surveillance and monitoring. Supervision is being done from different levels,” he added.

Padma Multipurpose Bridge

The construction work of much-awaited Padma Bridge project is nearing completion.

The physical progress of the project was 91 per cent while its financial progress was 89.91 per cent in February.

IMED report says the project aims to be completed by June 2023.

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

The work of biggest ever Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is going on in full swing, with its financial progress being 43.97 per cent and physical progress 45.99 per cent.

Metro Rail Service (MRT-6)

The trial run of metro rail from Uttara to Agatgaon has been completed. The IMED report said the financial progress of the project is 74.04 per cent and its physical progress is 71.07 per cent.

Payra Seaport

The financial progress of Payra Sea port is 72.28 per cent and its physical progress is 84 per cent. According to the IMED report, the project would be completed by June 2022.

Padma Rail Link Project

The progress of the Padma Rail Link Project is running at full speed, with its financial progress accounting for 54.99 per cent and physical progress 54 per cent.

Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Dohazari Rail Line Project

The physical progress of the project stands at 68 per cent while its financial progress is 35.28 per cent.

Rampal Power Plant

The power plant also known as Maitree Super Thermal Power Project has two units, each with 660 megawatt production capacity. The project is not included in the annual development programme (ADP).

Its physical progress stand at 75.99 per cent and financial progress 75.20 per cent. The cost of the project is estimated at Tk 16,000 crore.

Matarbari Power Plant

The Matarbari Power Plant project has so far got 55.20 per cent progress.