A bridge on the Harai River in Chandana of Sadar upazila in Rajbari district does not have approach roads.
Since the 36.60metre long and 7.03metre wide bridge was constructed for Tk35.2m by Rajbari Roads and Highways division (RHD) started in September last year and was completed in June, but no connecting approach roads were built to enable people to use it.
The situation around the bridge is unfit for vehicular movement especially during the rainy season. Residents of Khoksha, Machpara, Kalukhali, Kushtia, Kamarhati, Belgahci and Pangsha upazilas complained that the lack of connecting roads to the bridge is hampering communication and transport to and from these areas.
Farmers and traders are the worse sufferers because they have difficulties when transporting produce to markets in local and district headquarters, while those needing medical assistance are often unable to reach hospitals on time.
The bridge continues to lie unused while all vehicular movement takes place via an old bailey bridge, which is in dire need of repair.
During a visit to the area Monday, this correspondent found the bailey bridge overburdened with traffic and pedestrians.
People said they feared for their safety when they crossed the bridge.
Local residents said the bailey bridge is used by over 2000 people every day, among them students, teachers, traders and farmers of from the upazilas’ villages, who risk their lives when they use the bridge instead of the new bridge that lies idle.
People said though the government constructed the bridge but it is not benefitting anyone.
When contacted about the matter Bimol Kumer Shonnashi, assistant executive engineer of RHD said the approach roads on either side of the bridge could not be built due to fund shortage.
He said: “We have written to the head office seeking funds and we will start construction of approach roads as soon as we get the funds.”
RHD Executive Engineer Somiron Roy said he would have to visit the area to take prompt steps for the approach roads construction.
