Tk 20,500cr proposes for 8 mega-projects

The government has proposed an allocation of Taka about 20,500 crore in the budget for eight mega- projects in 2016-17 financial year to reach the economy to a new height.

Presenting the national budget for 2016-17 financial (FY17) in the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said "Growth enhancing eight mega projects are currently being implemented at a fast pace."

The projects are: Padma multi-purpose Bridge, Metro Rail, Rooppur Nuclear Project, LNG Terminal, Rampal coal-fired power plant project, Matarbari Thermal Power Plant, Payra Sea Port, Sonadia Deep Sea Port, Padma Bridge Rail Link project and construction of single line dual gauge track from Dohazari-Ramu-Cox's Bazar and Ramu to Ghundum near Myanmar border link. 

Muhith said in the list of mega projects, the government also included Padma Bridge Rail Link project and construction of single line dual gauge track from Dohazari-Ramu-Cox's Bazar and Ramu to Ghundum near Myanmar border link. 

In future, projects for Matarbari Coal Terminal, Bhola, Gas Pipeline, and a petrochemical industry in coastal area will also be included in this list, he added.

He said a booklet on these projects titled 'Kathamo Rupantore Brihot Prokolpo: Probiddhi Shonchare Nuton Matra' is being placed before the house. 

"This booklet will briefly describe the projects while illustrating their necessity, social and economic rationale and likely impact on the economy of the country. Mobilization of non-concessional loans may be required for implementation of these projects," he added. 

The minister proposed a total of Taka 2,227 crore for Metro Rail project for the next fiscal while Taka 6,026.48 crore for Padma multi-purpose Bridge project.

Source: BSS.