Tk 19cr bridge unused for three years without approach roads in Gazipur
A bridge constructed at a cost of nearly 19 crore taka over the Dhatri river in Sreepur, Gazipur, has remained unused for three years due to a lack of approach roads. Consequently, the structure has turned into a venue for weekly markets and local trade instead of serving vehicular traffic.
A newly constructed bridge over the Dhatri river in the Bormi Bazar area of Sreepur, Gazipur, has remained completely unused for three years due to the absence of connecting approach roads. Built at a cost of approximately 18 crore 96 lakh taka—often cited locally as 19 crore taka—the concrete structure measures about 98 meters in length. The construction initiative, which was designed to improve regional connectivity, has instead fallen into neglect following severe administrative and land acquisition complications.
The timeline of the project highlights prolonged delays and administrative hurdles. Construction work on the bridge officially commenced in 2021 and was subsequently finished by September 2023. However, because land acquisition complexities stalled the development of necessary approach roads from the very beginning, the completed bridge could never be opened to the public for transportation. As a result, the multi-crore infrastructure project has stood abandoned and non-functional for nearly three years, or approximately two years and ten months.
In the absence of traffic and official oversight, the bridge has been repurposed by locals for entirely different activities. At present, a weekly market routinely takes place directly on top of the bridge structure. Local residents and traders utilize the elevated platform to buy and sell various commodities, including wood, paddy, and jackfruit, turning a public transport project into an open-air marketplace.
Local inhabitants have expressed deep frustration over the current state of the infrastructure and the lack of security. Expressing dismay over the situation, local resident Al Amin pointed out the vulnerability of the abandoned site, stating that drug addicts have been removing and selling electrical lights and various nuts and bolts attached to the bridge, noting that such theft would not have been possible had the bridge been operational and properly guarded.
Addressing the prolonged delays and public grievances, Tanভীর আহমেদ explained the background of the construction issues and outlined future administrative steps. He stated that due to land acquisition complications, the previous contractor was able to finish the bridge construction work itself but could not initiate the construction of the approach roads. He further confirmed that the contractor had been paid only for the bridge work while excluding the incomplete approach roads, and that the land acquisition process is now finished. Authorities plan to invite tenders anew to construct the approach roads for the bridge in the shortest possible time and make it suitable for vehicular movement.
