Tk 5 Crore Bridge in Narail Sits Unused Without Approach Roads

A newly constructed bridge over the Nalia River in Narail’s Kalia upazila sits unused due to a lack of approach roads. Built at a cost of over Tk 5 crore, the infrastructure has sparked frustration among locals who continue to suffer without proper connectivity.

According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the 45.06-meter RCC girder bridge was built on the Kalia Public Library-Yogania GC road. The project's contract value is Tk 5.15 crore, with an official work period running from January 14, 2024, to March 23, 2025.

While the main structure is complete, the absence of connecting roads on both sides makes vehicular movement impossible. Consequently, students, business owners, and local residents traveling to Kalabaria Bazar, nearby schools, and the union council are forced to rely on an old, highly risky alternative bridge.

Local teacher Chhagir Mridha noted that thousands of people cross the hazardous old bridge daily to reach Kalabaria Secondary School and the local market. "Without the approach roads, we are completely deprived of the new bridge's benefits," he said.

Market-goer Monowara Begum and truck driver Jamir Uddin echoed these concerns, explaining that the lack of connectivity has prolonged public suffering and disrupted goods transport. Local businessman Russell Sheikh urged authorities to finish the roads quickly, adding that the stagnant project is harming local commerce despite massive public investment.

Acknowledging the public value of the infrastructure, Kalia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Jinnatul Islam assured residents that the issue is being addressed in coordination with the relevant departments.

"Most of the land acquired for the approach roads has already been transferred," the UNO stated. "Once the remaining procedural work is completed, we will advance the connecting road construction quickly and open the bridge for public use."