Commuters suffer as bridge collapses in Nabinagar

Ariful Islam Bhuiyan, Nabinagar (Brahmanbaria)

An RCC bridge next to the Bidyakut Madrasa located on Mahesh Road in the eastern part of Nabinagar Upazila of the district has collapsed. As a result, thousands of people in that area are suffering much.

Last June 15 a part of the bridge collapsed while a freight truck was crossing the bridge. The bridge was risky as it had not been renovated for a long time. Due to the movement of heavy vehicles, it finally collapsed from the middle. This caused extreme suffering to ordinary passengers.

Local residents said that this bridge is a very important means of communication for people from Nabinagar and 6 unions in the eastern part of Nabinagar and some surrounding areas to the district town. The importance of the bridge is also immense for transporting agricultural products, student travel and receiving emergency medical services. Now, as there is no alternative road, ordinary people have to travel long distances and vehicles are moving at risk.

A local shopkeeper said, “The bridge was at risk for a long time, despite informing the local administration many times, no effective action was taken. Today, we are having to bear the consequences, urgent repairs are needed urgently.”

A local pedestrian said, “Every day, people going to the market and school and college students use this road. Now, since the bridge has collapsed, we have to cross at great risk. We have to round a few kilometers to go to our destinations. It is very painful for us.”

CNG driver Md Sohel Mia said, “We have to travel at great risk using this bridge. Now we have to take many detours and take alternative routes. Not only does it take more time, but passengers are also suffering by paying higher fares, and large vehicles can’t travel.”

It is worth noting that the locals have demanded the reconstruction and renovation of the bridge. They have expressed hope that the concerned authorities will take immediate and effective measures so that the movement of the common people can be restored.

Nabinagar Upazila LGED Executive Engineer Md Mahbub Hossain said, “I went to inspect after receiving the news. The renovation work will be started very soon.”