A steel structure (span) is sitting in the multiplexed Padma bridge. 40 more structures to complete the bridge. In December of next year, to open the bridge for vehicular traffic, Hassan Raja

Sarkar-It has become difficult to introduce Padma bridge in the prescribed time ie December 2016. Till now the bridge has got a steel structure (span). In the next 12 months, more 40 span pillars will be installed. That means, nowadays, more than three spans will be installed every month.

The river administration will run at the same speed. Project officials say there is still a technical complexity to set up one-third of important piles. As a result, it will be difficult to finish the job at the scheduled time.

After the complexity of corruption conspiracies, the government initiated the construction of the Padma Bridge with its own funding. Initially, the plan is to be opened for four years, ie, by 2018, the bridge is open for vehicular traffic.

The monthly progress report of the bridge authority says the overall progress of Padma bridge project is 49 percent. In this, 52% of the main bridge progressed. And the progress of river governance is 34.2 percent. The construction of infrastructure, construction of two-way connecting roads and toll plazas is almost complete.

The same kind of talk has been given in the inspection report of the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) Ministry of Planning. The report sent to the bridge division on November 20 said that the deadline for construction of the Padma bridge will be left only 14 months left. But only 48 percent of the progress in construction has been achieved. Out of 28 thousand 793 crores, only Tk. 14 thousand 391 crores was spent till October last year. In all, construction work is eight months behind schedule.

The cost of the Padma Bridge is increasing once again. In the implementation of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge in 2007, ECNEC approved a project of Tk 10,16,175 million. Then the cost of two points was fixed. For example, in 2011, the expenditure was increased to 20 thousand 507 million and 20 million rupees.

In 2016, 28 thousand 793 crore taka. Now, adding more to the acquisition of land is another Rs. As a result, the total cost is Tk 30, 193 crores. In all, the cost of the original project proposal increased to 20 thousand 31 million 25 lakh.

More than two project proposals can not be amended unless special conditions are made in the purchase of government. But the Planning Commission agreed to relax this law for the Padma bridge project.

Asked about the timely execution of the project, Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, Chief of Expert Team of Padma Bridge project , told Prothom Alo that the possibility of launching the bridge in December 2016 is less. It will take more than a few months. But how long it takes, it can be understood when piling difficulties are met.

New complexity

Two pillar work is going on at the Jajira edges of Padma bridge They can be installed in two steel structures (spans). By December, at least one, if possible, planned to set two spans. But due to dense fog, the work is not possible as it has not been possible. Project officials are now proceeding with plans to set up two spans in January.

But there is still uncertainty about the construction of 14 pillars in the middle of Madhdadi and Mawa. Under these 14 pillars, it is not possible due to the complexity of installing 84 piles.

According to bridge division sources, deep piles of 98 to 128 meters under the pillar project of Padma bridge project are being installed. Officials said that there is no precedent for constructing a bridge in the world so deeply piled up. The bottom depth of the pillar below the 14 pillars was found, the clay found 3 to 7 meters above it. It is generally recommended that the pale remains on solid ground on the clay layer. That's why the project authorities have decided that these 84 pills will be installed further deeper or will increase the number of depths. Experts say that it can be solved by fencing around the pillar at a certain height of water from the ground. To decide on this matter, a British consulting firm named Kaui UK Limited has been appointed.

Projected officials say the consulting firm has not yet decided on them. If the decision is not made in the coming months, the work will be delayed. Because the part of Madhvani and Mawa in this part of the Padma is very deep and inaccessible. It is not possible to work in this part of the rainy season of monsoon. From November to April - this part will work in this time.

The officials further say there is a political pressure to speed up the bridge work. But it is not right to do any work on such a large and complex installation. Because its stability will be 100 years. Who will bear the responsibility of hurrying any mistake? Of course, anyone with a consulting firm would not want to take a big risk.

Regarding this, Jamilur Reza Chowdhury said there are several alternative suggestions to solve the technical problems that have occurred with some piles. The number of piles may increase. Otherwise, there is a change in depth. There will be a decision in this regard within the next few days.

Expense and time

Bridge Division sources said that the cost of the last Tk 1,400 crore has been increasing, buying sandstorm pumped for river governance. At first, the decision was taken to remove these sand in the river boar and the authorities considered these lands as Khas. But local people demanded ownership by building the plantations and cultivating sand. Then the government decided to purchase more than one thousand hectares of land. The source said more land could be needed.

According to project-related sources, the value of the rod in the international market is low. That is, the situation was not created due to the price of the goods. However, the problem of piling at the middle and the Mawa edges can also increase the expenditure. In case of acquiring more land, the cost will also increase. That is, how much the expenditure will be spent before the project is completed, it can not be specified.

Financial assessment

Keystone business support companies of the private sector through financial analysis of big projects. They have financial and economic analysis of the Padma Bridge by Prothom Alo . According to the evaluation done by the company, during the time of taking the project it was said that the movement of more than 22 percent of the first six years will increase after the commencement. Then every year more will increase by 3 percent, which is quite unusual. The Bangabandhu bridge did not increase the rate at this rate. Although it is the only way in the north path. And there are alternatives to Padma Bridge.

According to the evaluation of the Keystone Business Support Company, the Padma Bridge project was based on the subjects which were very profitable. But the profitability of the project has decreased due to the increase in expenditure and the increase in implementation. The project's Net Current Value (NVP) and Internal Return (Internal Rate of Return)

It's a huge job

Bridge Division sources said about four thousand people are now working on Padma bridge project. But the number of workers increases every day. More people work in the dry season. The rainy season decreases slightly. More than a thousand foreigners are working among people, most of whom are China's. The United States, UK, India, Japan and many other countries are also citizens. Most of them consultant.

Hundreds of cranes have been stored in the Padma bridge project area. Of this, the capacity to carry a large crane is 4 thousand tonnes. By this, the steel structure weighing about 3,200 tonnes will be placed on the poles. And the work of installing pile with two hydraulic hammers of 2,400 and 1,900 kHz capacity is underway. Recently there has been another hammer with a capacity of 3,500 kilos. Outside, many dredgers are active in river regime.

Asked about the overall situation, Padma bridge project director Shafiqul Islam told Prothom Alo that the depth in the Padma Bridge is being established, it is a record in the world. The rule of river governance is also quite complicated. As a result, there are many technical challenges coming. Expert Committee, Consultant and Bridge Division officials are working to gift a beautiful bridge.

Asked whether the bridge will be set at the scheduled time, the project director said that the new pamphlet needs to be redesigned. Much of this depends on the design and placement of piles accordingly. But they are working with the aim of launching the bridge over time.

One way

• 2018 December announced the Padma bridge

• The work has been 49 percent

• In 2007, the project approved 10,161 crore taka

• Expenditure is now increased to Tk 30,193 crores