DHAKA: The construction works of main structure of the much-talked-about Padma Bridge will begin within four months, said communications minister Obaidul Quader.

He was addressing a meeting, organized by ‘Amra Surjamukhi’ at Central Public Library in Shahbagh Saturday noon.

Three firms -- Samsung C&T Corporation of South Korea, China Major Bridge Engineering Co Ltd, and Daelim-Bam-VCI (a joint venture entity of South Korea) -- have submitted their observation reports for constructing the main bridge. The works of Padma Bridge will begin in four months being based on the report, he added.

The minister further said that works of TK1400 crore have already been done. Now, works of TK1600 crore is going on.

He expected that the construction works of the bridge will be complete within three and a half years.

Moreover, Quader said, construction works of elevated expressway will begin in May to ease Dhaka’s traffic congestion.

He further said that the construction works of metro rail will begin in the city next year.

Once constructed, the country`s longest bridge over the mighty Padma River will connect Dhaka city with 21 southwestern districts. The construction of the bridge is expected to be completed in four years.

Earlier on June 29, 2012, the World Bank cancelled its $1.2 billion funding saying it had the proof of a "corruption conspiracy" involving Bangladeshi officials, executives of a Canadian firm and some individuals.

BDST: 1442 HRS, MAR 01, 2014