Padma Barrage Project set at Tk 34,497cr, completion by 2033

The government has prioritised the construction of the Padma Barrage, with an estimated cost of Tk 34,497.25 crore and a completion deadline set for June 2033.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie revealed the details during a parliamentary session on Thursday (April 16), responding to questions from lawmakers.

He said the Detailed Project Proposal (DPP) has been prepared by the Ministry of Water Resources and submitted to the Planning Commission for approval. The project is scheduled to be implemented from 2026 through June 2033.

Under a separate government programme, the minister said 1,204 kilometres of canals will be excavated or re-excavated by June 2026 through joint efforts of the Ministry of Water Resources, Local Government Division and Ministry of Agriculture.

In addition, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief will rehabilitate another 1,500 kilometres of canals within the same timeframe under different schemes.

He added that 353 kilometres of canals have been targeted for re-excavation by June this year, with 123 kilometres—about 35 per cent—completed as of March 31.

Other ongoing initiatives over the next 180 days include construction of 292 kilometres of embankments, dredging of 316 kilometres of rivers, removal of shoals, development of 800 water control structures, and riverbank protection work along 250 kilometres.