Cost of Padma Bridge will be realised by 20 years: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that the cost of construction of the Padma Bridge will be realised from toll collections within next 18 to 20 years, much earlier than anticipated previously.

"We will be able to realise the construction cost of Padma Bridge within 18 to 20 years from tolls," she said this during her final speech in the budget session.

PM Hasina concentrated most of her 45-minute-long speech speaking on her government's success in constructing the Padma Bridge despite various obstacles at home and abroad.

Earlier on June 27, Road Transport and Bridges minister Obaidul Quader told parliament that the construction cost of Padma Bridge would be realised from tolls by 2057.

"Bangladesh Bridge Authority will repay all the loans provided by the government in 140 quarterly installments over 35 years with the toll collected from vehicles plying on the Padma Bridge," he said in reply to a tabled question from ruling Awami League MP Momota Hena Lovely.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the 6.15-km long Padma Bridge on June 25, connecting Dhaka with 21 districts in the country's south, south-western regions.

The budget session was prorogued today with 20 sittings.

A total of 228 MPs spoke 36.36 hours on the proposed budget for FY2022-23 which was passed in the House today.