TDS Desk:

The interim government has successfully saved Tk 1,835 crore on the Padma Bridge project, according to the Adviser for Road Transport and Bridges Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.

Speaking to journalists at the Jazeera Service Area-2 conference room in Shariatpur on Friday night, following his visit to the Padma Bridge, Fouzul Kabir revealed that the project’s latest estimated cost was Tk 32,605.52 crore.

However, through a strategic cost reduction policy, the final cost was brought down to Tk 30,770.14 crore, resulting in significant savings, he said.

Fouzul Kabir suggested that even greater savings could have been achieved if a more efficient government had been in place earlier. He emphasised that the current administration’s efforts to cut costs have been crucial in managing the project’s budget effectively.

Breaking down the savings, the adviser detailed that Tk 530 crore was saved on the main bridge, Tk 80 crore on river management, Tk 178 crore on connecting roads and service areas, Tk 103 crore on land acquisition, and Tk 1,491 crore on various other expenses.

He also mentioned the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate additional costs arising from irregularities in the power sector.

The Chief Adviser has directed the administration to prioritise qualitative improvements alongside numerical development, ensuring greater benefits.