The government has approved the work order for China Major Bridge Engineering Co Ltd for construction of the much-talked-about Padma Multipurpose Bridge involving Tk12,133 crore.
Communications Minister Obaidul Quader signed the notification of award at his ministry yesterday.
While talking to reporters after signing the notification of award, Obaidul Quader said with the approval of the work order work on the much-hyped bridge will begin any time.
He said the work order was given following the Cabinet Purchase Committee’s approval of the Chinese company’s tender proposal for the construction of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge.
Stating that China Major Bridge Engineering Co Ltd was the pre-qualified bidder of the World Bank, the minister said the main work on the Padma Bridge will be done as per the design of the World Bank.
Replying to a query, he said the company may begin their work from now on but before beginning of the work a contract will be signed very soon.
Responding to another question, Obaidul Quader said the work order has been given to the Chinese company maintaining all rules and regulations. “We hope the company will do their best.”
On May 22, the Cabinet Purchase Committee approved the Chinese company’s tender proposal for the construction of the 6.15-km bridge, the biggest-ever infrastructure project of the country.
As per terms and conditions of the contract, the contractor will have to complete the bridge construction work within 1,460 days (4 years) from the signing of the contract. The bridge’s longevity will be 100 years.
The Padma Bridge project has been a long standing issue for Bangladesh. The donor agencies, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the JICA, promised a loan of $1.9 billion for the project.
