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Published : 20 Jul 2026, 01:36 PM
At least 22 bridges and culverts across Rangpur City Corporation have been left to crumble for years, with exposed rebar, broken railings, and structures that shake under even light traffic.
Thousands of residents risk their lives daily crossing these unrepaired bridges and culverts, locals say, warning that any of them could collapse at any time and cause a major accident, and are demanding the authorities rebuild or repair them without delay.
Md Azam Ali, Rangpur City Corporation supervising engineer, said a project proposal covering 22 bridges and culverts across areas including Bairagipara, Senpara and Tantipara has been sent to the relevant ministry, with work to begin once funding comes through.
Established on Jun 28, 2012, Rangpur City Corporation spans 205.70sqkm and serves around 1 million residents.
It has 1,654.14km of roads, 182 bridges, 1,184 culverts and 441.18km of drains.
A visit to Bairagipara, Nurpur, Tantipara and Mulatola found several structures in poor condition.
The worst affected is the bridge linking Bairagipara and Nurpur in Ward No. 24. Concrete has broken away, exposing steel reinforcement bars, while its pillars have weakened.
Residents say the bridge has remained unsafe for nearly a decade. Heavy vehicles are barred, but autorickshaws, motorcycles, vans and pickup trucks still cross it every day.
Bairagipara resident Bachchu Mia said repeated appeals to the city corporation had brought only assurances.
"The risk has increased over time. Both railings have broken, and the bridge shakes even when small vehicles pass."
Another resident, Aklima Akter, said the ageing bridge should be demolished and rebuilt.
Locals said it provides a key link to Mahadebpur, Station Babupara, Shapla Chattar, Lalbagh and Jahaj Company areas.
The Senpara-Mulatola bridge in Ward No. 21 has also deteriorated, with sections of its railing collapsing after years without repairs.
Resident Nayan Mia said the bridge could collapse within a few years if left unrepaired.
"Heavy vehicles crossing it create fears of a serious accident."
In Ward No. 26, a bridge under construction in Tantipara has remained unfinished for two years. Traffic is already using it despite the absence of railings, increasing accident risks, particularly at night.
Resident Ariful Islam said the contractor had shown no sign of returning despite repeated complaints to the authorities.
Engineer Azam said the corporation had identified all 22 unsafe bridges and culverts for repair or reconstruction.
