Dhaka: Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said the government plans to start construction of approach roads of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project involving Taka 1200 crore in May.

"We haven't sufficient fund for the project but we want to start construction of its approach road at Taka 1200 crore in May," he told newsmen after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun at the former's Secretariat office here.

The meeting discussed upgrading of 32 kilometeres of Dhaka-Chittatgong highway into four lanes, a project being implemented by a Chinese company.

Secretary of Bridge Division MAN Siddique, chief engineer of Roads and Highways Department Aminur Rahman, officials of the Chinese Embassy were, among others, present.

Quader categorically said that the government will coordinate work areas of concerned organizations regarding allocations of funds for the mega project.

He said finance ministry will look into funding of the project, planning ministry will oversee approval of money and communications ministry will implement the project.

About the meeting with Chinese ambassador, Quader said the main objective of the meeting was to speed up the project work by December next.

There were many difficulties including fund allocation for construction and for that reasons the construction works were suspended.

But, he said, 230 out of 245 culverts have so far been constructed while 60 per cent of the bridge works of Dhaka-Chittatgong highway four-lane project already done.

"We have slow progress in the project but people want visible progress.we are suffering from fund constraint and hopefully we would overcome it soon," he said.

Ends/AMA/03/04/13