Construction of 3rd Karnaphuli bridge okayed

Chaired by Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, the meeting decided to award the construction work of the bridge involving Tk 336.30 crore to China Major Bridge Company.

Emerging from the meeting, Saifur told reporters the construction work on the bridge will begin soon. "We're hopeful that the work will begin within 3 to 4 months," he said.

The committee approved a separate proposal for appointing a consultant for supervising the 3rd Karnaphuli Bridge.

Residents of Chittagong and Cox's Bazar have long been demanding construction of the bridge over the Karnaphuli to facilitate their movement between the two districts.

The committee also selected Czech Republic-based Skodaxport Company for supply, installation and commissioning of gas booster and gas compressor, including civil work at 100MW Haripur Power Plant, under a renovation and modernisation programme.

The other approved projects are appointment of a consultant for the development of road network across the country, appointment of another consultant for supervision of the 3rd Buriganga Bridge and 2nd Shitalakkha Bridge, appointment of a consultant for supervising the Chittagong Port Facilitation Project and appointment of a consultant for the improvement of secondary school education.