Dhaka:The cost for the development of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's third terminal has increased to Tk 22,213.09 crore. This rise includes an additional Tk 667 crore allocated for 30 months of maintenance from January 2025 to June 2027, although the terminal has yet to commence full-scale operations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki announced that this additional expenditure also accounts for resolving contractual disputes, completing pending works, and installing necessary facilities not initially included in the project's scope. He provided these details during a briefing following Tuesday's Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting.
The ECNEC meeting approved an enhancement of Tk 847.57 crore, increasing the total project cost to Tk 22,213.09 crore from the previous amendment figure of Tk 21,365.51 crore. The government has set December 16 as the target date for the third terminal's partial inauguration, with some essential works continuing until June 2027.
The latest project revision includes Tk 667 crore designated for maintenance after the defects notification period expires. An additional Tk 294 crore has been allocated to resolve disputes arising from construction contract variations. The revised project budget also covers outstanding components like VIP and VVIP facilities, performance testing of cargo and baggage handling systems, water and sewage treatment plants, and the explosive detection system.
Minister Saki emphasized the importance of high-speed internet and modern immigration facilities, which were absent in the original project scope. He noted that such omissions could arise even after feasibility studies, as detailed designs often reveal further requirements.
To improve accuracy in project estimates and designs, the government is reforming the feasibility study process. Proposals for these reforms, based on insights from the Planning Ministry and line ministries, will be presented to the National Economic Council for approval. The government has issued instructions to prevent unwarranted extensions of project deadlines, with accountability measures for those responsible for unjustified delays.
Additionally, reports from the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division on eight projects have been submitted to the Prime Minister and relevant ministries, with further reports expected soon. Major cost increases in other projects, such as MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 North, were also discussed, with underground construction cited as a significant factor in the rising costs. For the third terminal, the latest cost increase is attributed to specific components like maintenance, additional facilities, and dispute settlements.