Rajbari: Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee announced today that the construction of the Padma Barrage is slated to begin between January and March of next year. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate the project, marking a significant milestone for the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Minister Anee made this announcement during a visit to the proposed site of the Padma Barrage at Pangsha Upazila in Rajbari district. The project is expected to significantly impact the economy of 24 southwestern districts, particularly enhancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The Padma Barrage project includes the construction of two hydroelectric power plants, each with a capacity of 113 megawatts. These developments follow a technical survey initiated in 2004 under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia. The current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has allocated Taka 34,497 crore for the project, with necessary manpower already recruited and operational.
The 2.1-kilometer long barrage will be entirely funded by the Government of Bangladesh and is expected to be completed in the next seven years. Key features of the project include 78 spillway gates, 18 under-sluice gates, a navigation lock, two fish passes, and a railway bridge.
During his visit, Minister Anee was accompanied by key figures, including Prime Minister's advisor on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, and Rajbari-2 MP Harun-or-Rashid.
In addition, Minister Anee inspected the Padma-Gorai confluence at Haripur-Saldah in Kushtia Sadar Upazila, where he highlighted the project's benefits in controlling river erosion during monsoon and addressing water scarcity in dry periods. The project also aims to protect the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem.