This bailey bridge at Pasura on Netrakona-Kalmakanda road collapsed under the pressure of a truck on October 30, suspending vehicular movement on the road since then.Photo: STAR

A bailey bridge, which was declared unfit for movement of heavy vehicles three years ago, finally collapsed on the night of October 30 in Kalmakanda upazila of Netrakona district.
The 75-metre-long bridge over a canal at Pasura collapsed when a goods-laden truck was passing through it at around 10:00pm.
Local people said they face immense trouble due to disruption of road communication between the upazila and the district town. A large number of people, who use this bridge to travel on Kalmakanda-Netrakona road, are now crossing the canal by boats.
Though the bridge collapsed on October 30, the Department of the Roads and Highways is yet to take any steps to restore communication between the upazila and the district headquarters or to make any alternative way for movement of light vehicles, locals alleged.
When contacted, Sub-Assistant Engineer of Roads and Highways' Netrakona office Abul Kalam said they will start work soon to make an alternative way for movement of light vehicles.
People of Kalmakanda upazila have urged the government to repair the bridge as early as possible.