Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today announced that construction of the Padma Barrage will commence next year. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the project sometime between January and March 2027. The minister made this announcement while visiting the proposed site of the Padma Barrage at Pangsha Upazila in Rajbari district. The project is anticipated to bring significant economic transformation to 24 southwestern districts, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Anee highlighted that the Padma Barrage will include the construction of two hydroelectric power plants, each with a capacity of 113 megawatts. The technical survey for the project was initiated in 2004 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia. The current government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has approved the project with a budget of Taka 34,497 crore. The 2.1 kilometer long barrage will be constructed over the next seven years using GOB funds.
The Padma Barrage will feature 78 spillway gates, 18 under-sluice gates, one navigation lock, and two fish passes. Additionally, a railway bridge will be constructed over the barrage. The project is expected to help control river erosion during the monsoon season and address water scarcity during lean periods. It will also contribute to protecting the ecosystem of the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
Prime Minister’s advisor on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, and Member of Parliament for Rajbari-2 constituency Harun-or-Rashid were present during the announcement. Later in the day, the minister inspected the Padma-Gorai confluence at Haripur-Saldah in Kushtia Sadar Upazila, where he reiterated the benefits of the project to journalists.
The Padma Barrage is a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing water resource management and promoting sustainable development in the region. By improving water availability and reducing erosion, the project is expected to boost agricultural productivity and support the livelihoods of millions of people in the affected districts. The integration of hydroelectric power plants will also contribute to the country’s energy needs, fostering economic growth and stability.



























