A newly constructed bridge connecting Rangamati Central Cemetery to the Police Hospital has ended years of suffering for local residents, making daily travel significantly easier for thousands of people.
Previously, residents had to wait for boats to cross the canal or take a long detour that could take 20 to 30 minutes. Now, they can reach their destinations in just five to seven minutes. The bridge has improved connectivity for more than 200 families, benefiting students, patients and other residents.
According to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, the bridge was constructed under a project covering the 2021-2026 period. The 130-metre-long and 3.6-metre-wide structure was built at a cost of around Tk4.95 crore.
Several important institutions, including Rangamati Government High School, the Police Hospital, the Old Police Lines and Police Lines Government Primary School, are located near the bridge. Hundreds of people use it daily.
A recent visit to the area found that the bridge has brought considerable relief, particularly to residents of the Old Police Lines, the Police Hospital and neighbouring areas. It has also become a popular spot for locals and visitors, especially in the afternoon.
Mohammad Naim, a student of Rangamati Government High School, said the bridge had significantly reduced travel time, making it easier for students to commute.
Local resident Zainal Abedin said reaching home previously took 20 to 30 minutes on foot, but the journey now required much less time.
Kajol Begum, a resident of the Police Lines area, said people previously had to wait for boats at the ghat. The bridge had saved valuable time for children going to school and residents travelling to the market.
Tarikul Islam Tanmoy, a resident near the Police Hospital, said finding a boat at night was particularly difficult. Now, people could reach their destinations within five to seven minutes.
Joni Das, a resident of the Police Lines area, has called for a connecting road to allow vehicles from different parts of the town to reach the bridge directly.
Majhi Hossain, who has lived in the area for 19 years, said crossing the canal had been particularly difficult before the bridge was built. Boats were unavailable after 9 pm, creating serious problems during medical emergencies and when transporting deceased residents to the cemetery. He said the bridge had ended years of suffering.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board Executive Engineer Tushit Chakma said the project was implemented to improve Rangamati municipality's communication network. He said the bridge had eased students' journeys to school and was contributing to the overall development of the area.
