Initiative launched to build Padma River barrage under PPP model

The government has taken the initiative to build a barrage on the Padma River under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system. The cost of the proposed project has been estimated at Tk 34,497.25 crore. The proposal for the implementation of the project has already been sent to the Planning Commission for approval.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee gave this information in response to an urgent public importance notice in the National Parliament session on Monday (April 6). The notice was raised by Pabna-5 constituency MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas.

The minister said that 120 upazilas of 19 districts in the southwestern and northwestern regions of the country will directly benefit from the Padma Barrage Project. In addition, according to the study, 5 more districts will benefit externally. For this reason, the project is being referred to as a "mastermind project".

Stating that the water of the Padma River is the foundation of life, livelihood, agriculture, fisheries, environment and human survival in the southwestern region, the minister said that the feasibility study for the construction of the barrage started in 2004 and was completed in 2013. The study recommended the construction of the barrage.

The current government's election manifesto has given priority to the construction of the Padma Barrage. The project will be implemented from 2026 to 2033.

The minister further said that if the project is implemented, irrigation facilities will be ensured in 28.80 lakh hectares of land. Besides, 113 megawatts of hydroelectric power will be generated and there will be a possibility of creating employment for about 9 lakh 27 thousand people.