Eight mega projects get Tk 18,727 crore
A total of Tk 18,727.36 crore has been allocated for eight mega projects for the next fiscal year 2016-17. While unveiling national budget in parliament on Thursday, Finance Minister AMA Muhith set out the allocation in a budget document titled: 'Kathamo Rupantore Brihot Prokolpo: Probiddhi Shonchare Nuton Matra'. Of the projects, Padma Multi-Purpose Bridge has got Tk 6026.48 crore while Padma Bridge Rain Link Project Tk 4,102.13 crore, Single line dual gauge track from Dohazari-Ramu-Cox’s Bazar and Ramu to Ghundum near Myanmar border Tk 613.75 crore and Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project received Tk 2,227 crore. Payra Sea Port has been allocated Tk 200 crore while Rooppur Nuclear Project Tk 618 crore, Matarbari 1200 MW Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power project Tk 2,400 crore, and Maitri Super Thermal Power Plant got Tk 2,540 crore. Quoting Muhith news agency UNB said the eight mega projects are currently being implemented at a fast pace. In future, projects for Matarbari Coal Terminal, Bhola Gas Pipeline, and a petrochemical industry in coastal area will also be included in this list. He said mobilization of non-concessional loans may be required for implementation of these projects. However, such loans will be incurred keeping in mind the debt sustainability framework of our economy, reports UNB. Giving description on the state of their implementation, he said a major portion of the approach roads as well as one-fifth of the main bridge and river training works of the Padma Bridge has already been completed. In addition to enacting the Nuclear Power Plant Act 2015, a company has been established to run the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant. Moreover, out of four contracts, 100 percent work of two contracts and 70 percent of another one have been completed. Along with land registration, geotechnical and right of way survey for the establishment of Metro Rail has been accomplished. The detailed design of Metro Rail is expected to be completed by August this year. The finance minister said currently the government is exploring the possibilities of building the Sonadia Deep Sea Port with the assistance of development partner countries or agencies under G2G arrangement. Construction of administrative building and procurement of machinery for the Paira Sea Port is underway. The government is trying to mobilize resources to build the main port. As regards Rampal Coal-based Power project, work related to land development, construction of boundary walls and embankment protection is almost finished.