PM opens, lays foundation stones of 51 dev projects
![](https://en.ntvbd.com/sites/default/files/styles/big_3/public/images/2016/02/25/photo-1456394518.jpg?itok=2InLaFSS×tamp=1573115041)
Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of some 51 development projects in various sectors across the country, reports local news agency.
The Prime Minister opened the projects, including train communication on second rail line with signaling system, through videoconferencing with 11 venues concerned from her official residence Ganobhaban.
The Power Division, LGRD Ministry, Law Ministry, Railways Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry are the implementation agencies of the projects.
Sheikh Hasina inaugurated five projects of the power division. The projects are power supply to 6000 families of 90 villages in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj, a 108MW duel-fuel power plant in Patiya, Chittagong, a 150MW HFO/gas-based power plant at Kadda of Gazipur, 225 MW combined cycle power plant at Ashuganj of Brahminbaria district, a 52.2 MW duel-fuel powr plant at Jangalia of Comilla district.
Eighteen projects of the road division include Sheikh Kamal Bridge and Sheikh Jamal Bridge on Patuakhali-Kuakata highway and newly constructed five bridges in Zakiganj, 11 bridges in Sunamganj of Sylhet zone under Eastern Bangladesh Bridge Improvement Project.
Other projects include seven of Local Government Division (LGD) in Narayanganj like water supply and Sonakanda water treatment project, four projects of LGD in Joypurhat.
With the inauguration of the 64-kilometre long 2nd rail line on Tongi-Bhairab Bazar section under Tongi-Bhairab Bazar double rail line project, it is expected that the travel time between Dhaka and Chittagong by train will reduce by at least one and half hour from today on the Dhaka-Chittagong route.
Tongi-Bhairab Bazar double line project was approved by the Executive Council of the National Economic Council on September 27, 2006 with a cost of Tk2,113 crore while Asian Development Bank financed Tk 1,824 crore and rest of the cost came from national exchequer.
Besides, the construction works of the 483.715 metre long and 10.25 metre wide Shaheed Sheikh Jamal Bridge on the Sonatala River at Hazipur point and 893.10 metre long and 10.25 metre wide Shaheed Sheikh Kamal Bridge on the Andharmanik River near Kalapara upazila town were completed in December.
However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally opened the 408.36 metre long and 10.25 metre wide Shaheed Sheikh Russel Bridge on the Shibbaria River at Mohipur point on Patuakhali-Kuakata road on August 20 last year.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, PM’s advisors HT Imam, Dr Tawfique-e-Elahi Chowdhury, State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Sikder and senior officials of the ministries concerned were present at Ganobhaban while PM’s principal secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad conducted the programme.
Later, the Prime Minister exchanged views with the ministers, local representatives, political leaders and government officials from 11 venues in those districts where the projects are being implemented.