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Published : 02 Oct 2025, 08:01 PM
A bridge built over the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga Sadar Upazila has remained unused for three years, as no approach roads were constructed.
The Tk 66 million structure, completed in August 2022, has yet to serve its purpose.
With no direct connection, residents cross the river by boat at risk, while drivers are forced to detour 10 to 11km to reach their destinations, fuelling anger in the community.
Senior Assistant Engineer of Chuadanga LGED, AKM Rafiqul Islam, said a new contractor will be appointed to build the approach roads and open the bridge to traffic soon.
Construction of the 90m long, 5.5m wide bridge on the Pirpur–Gonjerghat road began in January 2021 with a budget of Tk 66.7 million. It was scheduled to open on Aug 18, 2022.
The contractor, however, finished the bridge without building the approach roads. Nearly five years on, the bridge remains unopened.
Locals blame the authorities for starting construction without first acquiring land, leading to the impasse.
In the meantime, villagers climb onto the unused bridge by ladders, while some use its deck to dry crops.
Residents fear more delays, as land acquisition, tenders and construction of the approach roads still lie ahead.
Abbas Ali, a farmer from Hatkaluganj village who cultivates land in Pirpur across the river, said crossing the Mathabhanga was vital for students, farmers and traders.
“The demand for a bridge here was long-standing. But even after it was built, it is of no use. If it were opened, transporting crops would be easier, and the detour of 10 to 11km would end.”
He added, “My house is on this side of the river, but my farmland is on the other. I have to cross several times a day, paying Tk 10 each time. If the bridge were opened, that expense would be saved.”
Md Nabisuddin, a farmer from Pirpur, echoed the frustration. “To get to town, we have to cross by boat or go 8 to 10km via the Borobazar bridge. If we could use this bridge, we’d reach the market, court, or hospital in just 3km.
“We have been waiting for years.”
Nazrul Islam of Hatkaluganj village said the problem started from the very beginning. “The location was poorly chosen. People already used a well-trodden path to cross here by boat. But the bridge was built 50m away from that spot. Now we’re waiting indefinitely for land acquisition.”
LGED’s Rafiqul said the acquisition process is now partly complete, with partial payments made to landowners.
“A new contractor will be appointed soon. Once work resumes, we’ll be able to open the bridge after completing the remaining approach roads,” he added.
