Risky Bailey bridge setback for Sheikh Hasina bridge

The risky Bailey bridge over the river Ratnai in Sadar upazila is in the doorway of newly constructed Sheikh Hasina Dharla Bridge over the river Dharla, causing immense sufferings to businessmen.

“We are happy to get the newly constructed bridge over the Dharla between Lalmonirhat Sadar and Kurigram's Phulbari upazila but upset over the risky Bailey bridge as heavy vehicles, especially loaded trucks, are not allowed over the Bailey bridge,” said local businessman Nazrul Islam of Kulaghat Bazar in Lalmonirhat Sadar.

As the risky Bailey bridge is not fit for plying of heavy vehicles, they have to spend additional cost to transport goods by light vehicles, said Nazrul.

Maize trader Sabbir Ahmed of Thana Road in Kurigram's Phulbari upazila said Sheikh Hasina Dharla Bridge will help them if a concrete bridge is built in place of the Bailey bridge.

Kulaghat Union Parishad Chairman Idris Ali said the Bailey bridge was constructed over the river Ratnai in 2003 after a long plea from local people. Heavy vehicles used to move on the Bailey bridge but it turned risky in 2011 and since then heavy vehicles are not allowed to ply it.

Executive Engineer of Lalmonirhat Roads and Highways Department Ali Noorayen said, they have already written to the higher authorities for fund to construct a concrete bridge in place of the risky Bailey bridge but are yet to get allocation.