Gallamari In Khulna: People suffer for delay in bridge work

Gallamari Bridge, a key gateway to Khulna city, has long been a source of suffering for thousands of residents.

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), there were initially two bridges over the Mayur river in Gallamari. The older bridge, built during the Pakistan period, became dilapidated and unusable over time. Subsequently, a second bridge was constructed in 2013 at a cost of Tk 6.9 crore and opened to the public in 2015.

However, the design of the second bridge failed to consider crucial factors such as river protection. It was built too low, preventing even small boats from passing underneath.

Environmentalists protested the bridge's construction, citing its low quality, insufficient height, and lack of environmental consideration.

Later, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) alleged that RHD had built the bridge without securing its approval.

RHD then initiated a new project to demolish the old bridge and construct a replacement at a cost of Tk 68 crore.

The new bridge, measuring 68.7 metres in length, 13.7 metres in width, and standing 5 metres above the water level, commenced construction in 2020, with a deadline set for May 2025.

However, progress has been extremely slow, and work came to a halt around six months ago.

As a result, residents are still forced to use the old bridge with its flawed design, enduring severe hardship and long hours of traffic congestion.

The bridge is one of 18 major routes connecting Khulna to other districts, including Dhaka. Every day, at least 500 vehicles, including cargo-laden trucks, and around 5,000 easy-bikes use the bridge.

Kamal Hawlader, an easy-bike driver, said, "We often have to wait for an hour or more just to cross the bridge. This frustrates passengers and wastes our time."

"Additionally, abandoned construction materials are scattered along the road, making it extremely difficult and hazardous to drive," he added.

Akbar Hossain, a resident of ward-21 in Khulna city, said he had heard that the contractor responsible for the project had abandoned it and fled.

"We have to endure the stench from the polluted river water while being stuck in traffic for hours at either end of the bridge. An immediate solution is needed," he said.

A senior RHD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said complications had arisen regarding the bridge's steel structure.

"The required materials need to be imported, which has led to delays. The deadline has already been extended once," he said.

So far, only 27.70 per cent of the work has been completed, with just four months remaining before the deadline expires.

Dewan Md Abdul Kader, executive engineer of RHD in Khulna, said once the steel components arrive and are installed, the remaining construction would not take long.