Metrorail being built as part of modern transport system: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that metro rail and expressway are being constructed as part of modern transport system. The economic development of the country will be more rapid once the projects are completed.

She said this while opening the 1493-metre ‘Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge’ over Kacha River at Bekutia in Pirojpur, which established the uninterrupted road connectivity between Khulna Division and Barishal Division.

The premier joined the opening ceremony of the bridge through a virtual platform from her office here in the capital.

Hasina said the government is now implementing different projects including metro rail and elevated expressway projects in Dhaka, 20-km Rapid Bus Transit (project) from Gazipur to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Bangabandhu Tunnel under Karnaphuli River in Chattogram and 10-Lane Tongi Bridge Construction projects.

“The economic development of the country will be more rapid once the projects are completed,” she said.

The Roads and Highways Department constructed the bridge at a cost of Tk 894.08 crore.

The Chinese government provided Tk 654.80 crore as project assistance for the bridge while the Bangladesh government spent Tk 239.80 crore.

Later, the premier exchanged views with the beneficiaries who participated in the two rallies on the two sides of the bridge.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister, also Pirojpur-1 MP, SM Rezaul Karim was present at a rally at the west side of the bridge, while Pirojpur-2 MP Anwar Hossain Manju was present at another rally at its east side.

Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division ABM Amin Ullah Nuri made a power-point presentation over the newly constructed bridge.