Narayanganj Correspondent

The construction of Balu river bridge in Kayetpara-Nagarpara area of Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj district has not been completed even in 21 years. The much awaited and expected construction of this bridge known as Balu Bridge started in 2003.

At that time, the cost of constructing this bridge with a length of 75.30 meters was estimated at 5 crore 80 lakh taka. The residents of the area have held various programs including meetings, rallies, demonstrations, human chains, road blockades to demand the completion of the construction work of the bridge. But to no avail.

On the surface, it was seen that two piers of Balu river bridge, two pier columns, cap, wingwall and abutment wall on one side are standing. Bad condition of bridge connecting road. The paving bricks of that road have gone up. The used rod is rusted.

If the Balu river bridge was built, the fate of the people of the area would have changed. The door of possibilities would open. A bridge was built between Dhaka and the northeastern part of the country. The traffic congestion and distance of the capital Dhaka would be reduced. Millions of people from Rupganj and surrounding areas have to travel 12/13 kilometers to reach the capital Dhaka for a single bridge. However, if this bridge is built, residents will be able to go to Dhaka in just 20 minutes. There have been two tenders for the bridge. Millions of people around the bridge are full of hopes and dreams.

Narayanganj Roads and Public Ways Department (SOAZ) sources informed that under the Narayanganj Roads Department, the tender for the construction of a bridge over Balu river on Majhina-Kayetpara-Trimohani road was invited in 2001. M/s Eastern Traders Limited was entrusted with the construction of the bridge. The construction of the bridge was supposed to be completed within a year under the supervision of the Roads and Highways Department.

Zahid Hossain, the owner of the contracting company M/s Eastern Traders Limited, said that only 50 lakh taka was withdrawn in the financial year 2004-2005 for the construction of the bridge. After that no further allocation was given. Money could not be withdrawn. Due to the increase in the price of construction materials including cement, rod, sand, stone according to the schedule, the construction work came to a standstill. Due to such difficulties, the construction work of Balu river bridge was not completed even in 21 years. At present, after the construction of two piers, pier columns, one side abutment and wingwall of Balu Bridge, the construction work of the bridge stopped.

In 2021, the second round of tenders for the construction of the unfinished Balu River Bridge was invited. At this time, about 13 crore rupees were newly allocated. Then M/s Yunus & Brothers and M/s Sardar Enterprises (JV) got the job of constructing the bridge. Accordingly, the work was supposed to start in May 2021. Due to unknown reasons, the construction work of the bridge was stopped in the second phase.

Various government ministers and members of parliament also promised to build this bridge. Three bridges have been constructed at Chanpara, Yusufganj and Bholanathpur in the Rupganj part of the Balu river, but the fate of this bridge is in dire straits.

If the Balu river bridge is built, the fortunes of Rupganj, Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, Demra and surrounding areas of capital Dhaka will change. New doors of possibilities will open. New factories and garment industries will be created. Employment will be created. If the bridge is constructed, the traffic congestion of Kanchpur and Sultana Kamal bridges will be reduced. The vehicles of 10 districts including Sylhet, Bhairab, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi in the northern part of the country can easily enter Rampura in the capital Dhaka through Kayetpara.

Russell Ahmed of Nagarpara village said, I have heard from my father and grandfather that the Balu river bridge will be built. If the bridge is constructed, the farmers of more than half a hundred villages of Rupganj will be able to sell their agricultural products directly in Dhaka. They will benefit. But the construction of the bridge has not been completed due to various difficulties.

Sirajul Islam of Nagarpara village said that no matter how many governments have come and gone, our dreams have not been fulfilled. No one can say when the Balu Nadi bridge will be built.

Shahana Ferdous, Executive Engineer (Soaz) of Narayanganj Roads and Highways Department, said that the construction of Balu river bridge in Kayetpara-Nagarpara area is very important. He expressed hope that the construction of the bridge will start soon.