In Kushtia’s Kumarkhali, nearly all the lights on a recently constructed bridge have become non-functional within a year and a half of its opening. As a result, the bridge plunges into darkness every evening, creating risks for commuters.
The lack of lighting has led to road accidents, incidents of mugging, and allegations of drug addicts engaging in criminal activities.
The 650-metre PC girder bridge on the Gorai River, connecting Kumarkhali town and Jaduboyra Road, was opened to the public in 2023.
Out of 36 lights installed on the bridge, 35 have stopped working. According to a contractor, each light post, including poles, wires, bulbs, and labour costs, required approximately Tk60,000.
Sources from the district engineering office stated that the bridge, built by Nationtech Communication and Rana Builders, cost Tk89.91 crore. Construction was completed on June 26, 2023, and the bridge was handed over on that date. It was opened to the public on 28 June.
The government incurs a monthly electricity bill of Tk 25,000 for the bridge. However, due to unpaid bills, the lights were disconnected for several months. While the overdue bills have recently been cleared, 35 lights remain non-functional.
Residents of the area expressed their worries over the issue. The southern side of the bridge connects five unions, while the northern side links Kumarkhali municipality and five more unions, home to around six lakh people. The bridge is a vital crossing for residents, operating 24/7. The lack of lighting has raised concerns for safety.
Ashraful Islam, a van driver, said: "At night, the bridge is pitch black. This allows muggers to become active, and van-rickshaw thefts are frequent. If the lights worked, this problem wouldn’t occur. Additionally, accidents happen often in the dark, damaging vehicles."
Firoza Khatun, a pitha (rice cake) vendor, said: "At first, the bridge was well-lit, and many people would come to visit at night. Now, no one comes after evening. My sales have dropped significantly."
Ashik Ali, the project manager from the contractor firm, said: "The bridge was handed over on 26 June 2023, with a one-year maintenance period. That time has now elapsed. The matter is now under LGED’s (Local Government Engineering Department) jurisdiction."
Habib Chowhan, General Secretary of the Kumarkhali Anti-Corruption Committee, criticized the situation, saying: "The bridge has been operational for 17 months, and only one light remains functional on the southern side. The rest are out. People now have to use their phone torches to cross at night. This has led to a rise in crime.”
“Recently, a driver named Azgar Ali (40) was thrown off the bridge, and his van was stolen by miscreants. This cannot continue," he added.
Abdur Razzak, Executive Engineer of Kushtia LGED, acknowledged the issue, saying: "The lights were disconnected due to unpaid bills. Those bills have now been cleared, but several lights are damaged. We will replace them and restore proper lighting as soon as possible."
