A step closer to reality

After decades of anticipation, hope has finally arrived for thousands of commuters in Chattogram, as the foundation stone for the long-awaited Kalurghat Bridge was formally laid yesterday.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus unveiled the foundation stone plaque at an event at the Chattogram Circuit House in the morning.

The new bridge, to be constructed over the Karnaphuli, will replace the existing century-old steel truss bridge, originally built in 1930.

Speaking at the event, Yunus expressed optimism that the bridge's completion would finally bring an end to the prolonged transportation hardships faced by the people of Chattogram.

"I have many memories associated with the Kalurghat Bridge. It holds great historical significance. Residents of Boalkhali are also present here today -- this bridge has long been their cherished dream. Once completed, it will alleviate many of the hardships faced by the people of Chattogram," he said.

The existing Kalurghat Bridge, an ageing steel structure, currently allows only light vehicles and limited rail traffic. Over the years, it has become a source of frustration for commuters and traders due to frequent disruptions and safety concerns.

The bridge is expected to contribute to the country's economic growth, especially with the upcoming opening of the Matarbari deep seaport in Cox's Bazar.

To support this, Bangladesh Railway has planned to build a 26-kilometre railway line from Chakaria to Matarbari.

Railway officials said once completed, containers from the Matarbari seaport can be sent directly by train to the Dhaka Inland Container Depot.

According to railway, the new Kalurghat Bridge will span 700 metres across the Karnaphuli. In addition to the main structure, the project includes 6.2 kilometres of viaducts on both ends, 4.54 kilometres of embankments, and 2.40 kilometres of road viaducts.

A total of 11.44 kilometres of new railway tracks will also be constructed under the project.

The estimated cost of the bridge is Tk 11,560 crore, of which Tk 4,435 crore will come from government funds and Tk 7,125 crore will be financed through foreign loans -- primarily from South Korea.

To finance the project, Bangladesh signed a loan agreement with South Korea on June 27, 2023.

Project Director Abdul Kalam Chowdhury told reporters that preliminary work is already underway. The feasibility study has been completed, and tenders have been invited for consultant recruitment.

Construction work is expected to become visible by December this year, marking the transition from planning to on-ground execution, he said.

If all progresses on schedule, the bridge is expected to be completed by December 2029 and opened for use in 2030, according to project officials.

For residents of Boalkhali, Patiya, and nearby upazilas, the new bridge represents more than just convenience -- it symbolises long-awaited relief and new beginnings.

"As construction gains pace, the Kalurghat Rail and Road Bridge no longer feels like a dream, it's becoming a reality," said Chowdhury Lokman, a resident of the upazila.

Abdul Hannan, a trader from the Ghumdandi area, said, "The new bridge will reduce transport costs and give us access to larger markets."