The lives of people in Rangamati district have drastically changed due to massive development activities by the government. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region, which was once ignored, is now moving forward with big leaps. With the continuity of this development spree, local people now demand the removal of risky bailey bridges.
There are 18 bailey bridges under the Rangamati Roads and Highways Division (RHD). The authorities are now constructing new concrete bridges to replace seven of the bailey bridges, but vehicles are using the 11 other bridges at great risk, locals say.
If the 11 bridges can be replaced with concrete ones, the district can be labelled as one without bailey bridges, RHD officials told Dhaka Tribune.
There are two risky bridges on the Ranirhat-Kaukhali Road, one on Ghagra-Boraichhari and Bangalhalia-Bandarban Road, six on Manikchhari-Bogachhari-Langadu Road, and two on Bangalhalia-Rajsthali Road.
The platforms of several bailey bridges in Naniarchar were found missing when this correspondent went to inspect them recently. The soil base of several platforms has eroded, while others are in a dilapidated condition. Local people are crossing the bridges, putting their lives at risk. They demanded the immediate replacement of these bridges with concrete ones.
Ripon Das, a local resident and general secretary of the Naniarchar Upazila Sports Association, said there are six bailey bridges in the upazila, of which four are risky. The local community will greatly benefit if these bridges are replaced with concrete bridges.
Satish Chandra Chakma, another resident of Naniarchar, said the bailey bridges in the area have no base at all. Many people have been injured while crossing the bridges, and there have been road crashes as well. In the rainy season, the bridges go underwater, which forces people to undergo great suffering.
Another local resident, Kishore Chakma, said it will help people immensely if the bridges are made with concrete. It will be easier to cross the bridges with goods as well, he added.
A bus driver from Kaukhali Upazila, Abdullah Al Noman, said the bridges are very risky and crashes can occur at any time while crossing them.
Another resident from the same area, Sumon Marma, said he uses the bridges frequently, and the bridges shake when heavy vehicles cross them. Once a car slipped from the bridge, injuring several people, he added.
Progoti Chakma, the upazila chairman, said the Naniarchar to Langadu road connectivity is in a poor state. Road connectivity came to a halt in the last monsoon due to landslides. He called on the local administration and the government to replace the remaining bailey bridges with concrete ones.
Rabiul Awal, deputy assistant engineer of Rangamati Roads and Highways Division, said since it is a hilly area, the number of bailey bridges is also greater. The authorities have already taken an initiative to remove these bridges, he added.
Sabuj Chakma, executive engineer of Rangamati RHD, said there are six roads under the division, which extend to 232km. Replacing the 18 bailey bridges will boost local road connectivity and draw more tourists to the region.
