Gopalganj is only 150 kilometres from the capital, yet it is a hassle for locals to cross the mighty Padma River to reach Dhaka as a two-hour ferry journey is inevitable and even it turns into days amid bad weather and ahead of long holidays.
“I witnessed the tragic deaths of critical patients on the way to Dhaka. Those lives could have been saved if the ferry crossing did not take two hours or sometimes five to six hours and more due to huge traffic gridlocks at the ferry terminal,” said Shafayat Hossain Molla, an ambulance driver of Gopalganj.
Daulatdia and Mawa, the two routes used by Gopalganj dwellers, brings a similar amount of agony for them, he said.
Locals are hopeful that the Padma Bridge will bring an end to their tragic stories of patients dying in ambulances or traders facing losses as their perishable goods rot during long waits to cross the river.
Now it will take no more than two and a half hours in total to reach Dhaka’s Gulistan from Gopalganj through the Bhatiapara-Bhanga-Mawa route using the bridge.
Gopalganj is heavily dependent on Dhaka for trade, health services and employment.
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The bridge may come as a great boon for local traders as they have to bring many goods from Dhaka and Chittagong regularly as well as supply freshwater fish, vegetables and other perishable goods — a big portion of which gets damaged on the way.
“The bridge will be a great relief for the construction material traders of Gopalganj,” said Farid Ahmed, president of the district cement, rod, and iron sheet traders’ association.
The construction material traders wait for days at the ferry terminals during unfavourable weather, Eid, Puja, and other celebrations as the pressure of passenger buses and other vehicles increase and they get priority while crossing. It creates a shortage in the local market and also increases the prices, hampering different development works, said Farid Ahmed.
“The opening of the Padma bridge rail link project will boost trade through two south-western seaports - Mongla in Bagerhat and Payra in Noakhali - and with two land ports - Benapole in Jessore and Bhomra in Satkhira - respectively, said Kazi Jinnat Ali, president of Gopalganj district Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The bridge will boost businesses in the district as Gopalganj connects Dhaka, Chittagong, Mongla and two land ports, Benapole and Bhomra, he added.
Md Ilias Hossain, president of Gopalganj District Bus Owners Association, said: “The inauguration will open a new horizon in connecting the southwestern part of the country including Gopalganj with Dhaka.”
The bus owners here are preparing to launch modern passenger bus services soon targeting different tourist locations across the country, he added.
The inauguration of the Padma Bridge will be celebrated in 64 districts of the country simultaneously on June 25.