The Bangladesh government has finally approved the much-awaited Padma Barrage (Phase 1) project, the estimated cost of which has been set at Tk 34,494 Crores.
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This historic approval was given at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting held on May 13, 2026. Key Project Information Total Estimated Cost: Tk 34,494 Crores (To be implemented entirely with domestic financing). Implementation Period: From 2026 to 2033 (7 years). Main Objective: To alleviate the dry season water crisis caused by the Farakka Barrage and to increase the freshness and control salinity of the rivers in the southwestern region. Infrastructure Features Construction of Main Dam: A 2.1 km long main barrage or dam will be constructed on the Padma River in Pangsha Upazila of Rajbari district. Spillways and Gates: It will have 78 spillways, 18 under sluices, 2 fish passes and navigation locks. Water holding capacity: About 2.9 billion cubic meters of water can be stored for use in the dry season. Power generation: A 113 MW hydroelectric power plant will be set up around the barrage. Rail Bridge and Communication: There are plans to build a separate rail bridge over the barrage and 7 satellite cities around the project area. Social and Economic Impact Beneficiary Area: About 70 million people from 24 to 26 districts in the southwestern region of the country will benefit directly and indirectly. Agriculture and Fisheries Development: 5 major rivers including Gorai-Madhumati, Chandana, Hisna will be revived. As a result, irrigation facilities will be ensured in about 28.80 lakh hectares of land, which will increase food and fish production at a huge rate. Employment: The implementation of the project will create employment opportunities for about 9.27 lakh people in this region. For detailed information about the project and latest updates on its progress, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Planning or the Bangladesh Water Development Board (PWB).
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