Construction of three footbridges at different points of the capital’s Kuril-Bishwa Road has been put on hold as the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipakkha (Rajuk) have taken no steps to resume work even after missing the deadline twice.
Sources said the construction of these footbridges missed its second deadline in March this year, due to a misunderstanding between the city planner and its contractor Project Builders. The original deadline was December last year.
This delay forces pedestrians to risk their lives crossing the busy Airport Road.
Latifa Akhter, a resident of Pragati Sarani, said: “We are compelled to cross this busy road amidst fast moving vehicles. But the concerned authorities have taken no steps to complete the construction of the footbridges.”
Jalal, a tea stall owner at Kuril, added that senior citizens, children and handicapped persons face difficulties in crossing the road quickly, although young people are capable of moving fast. “It is still risky,” he said.
The under-construction footbridges include a 40-metre long bridge adjacent Kuril-Bishwa Road intersection on the Airport Road, and another two bridges of 39-metre and 19-metre length each on Pragati Sarani adjoining the Kuril flyover.
When contacted, Rafiqul Alam, Project Builders project director, denied all allegations and blamed Rajuk for the delay.
“We placed few demands, including price adjustment, but the Rajuk officials, did not respond to our demands. Thus, we had to suspend the construction work,” he said.
Rajuk Project Director for Kuril Flyover and the bridges Md Abdul Baki Miah first said he was unable to say anything to the media, but later he denied all allegations against Rajuk and blamed Project Builders for the delay.
“I do not know why the contractor has halted the construction work of the footbridges. We have repeatedly sent them letters and held meetings, but with no results,” he said. “Project Builders have received all facilities and help from Rajuk.”
Answering a question, Baki said: “The contractor has delayed completion of the footbridges; therefore, no additional cost will be provided.”
The construction of the footbridges falls under the Tk3.03billion Kuril Flyover Project, which was financed by Rajuk in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. Project Builders and China Major Bridge Engineering jointly built the 8.9m wide and 14.6m high flyover.