PATUAKHALI: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed Sheikh Russel Bridge on Patuakhali-Kuakata Highway over the river Khaprabhanga with the view to ease the communication of tourists.

The premier inaugurated the 408.36-meter-long bridge through a video conference around 11:30 am.

Local people expected opening of the bridge will have positive impact on the economy of the area.

Sources from district roads and highways division (RHD) said there are three rivers -- Andharmanik, Sonatala and Khaprabhanga -- on the way from Patuakhali to Kuakata.

On February 25 of 2012, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid foundation stones of three bridges -- Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Russel and Sheikh Jamal -- on the rivers to lessen sufferings of tourists and the people of the area.

However, the construction of other two bridges -- Sheikh Kamal and Sheikh Jamal -- is yet to be completed.

Executive engineer of district RHD Mohammad Zahirul Islam told banglanews that the construction expenditure of Sheikh Russel Bridge was Tk 24.83-crore.

BDST: 1240 HRS, AUG 20, 2015
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