The long-anticipated Chilmari-Horipur Teesta Bridge — a dream project for the people of Kurigram and Gaibandha districts — is finally set to be inaugurated on August 2 this year, putting an end to years of speculation. The bridge will be inaugurated by the Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
Although the bridge is ready for vehicular movement, the connecting road on the Chilmari upazila side remains unfinished, drawing frustration and criticism from local residents. Due to the dilapidated condition of the road, commuters are experiencing significant hardship. However, concerned officials state that the road construction deadline has been extended until October–November.
According to official sources, the 1,490-meter-long PC girder bridge construction project includes two components: development of the Chilmari Upazila HQ–Panchpir GC road from chainage 1220m to 5230m, and development of the same road from chainage 0.00m to 1220m. The project was awarded to contractor Mir Habibul Alam of Uttar Borgaachha, Natore, at a contract value of approximately Tk 10.5 crore. Despite winning the contract, the work saw several changes in responsibility, and many associated with the project disappeared after August 5 last year.
Although the work was initially scheduled to be completed by February this year, the Chilmari section still lags behind even after several months. The original contractor remains out of sight, and repeated handovers have led to sluggish progress and substandard work quality. A significant portion of the road still awaits completion.
Reports indicate that approximately 1,700 meters of connecting roadwork remains unfinished. While construction is ongoing, it is progressing slowly. Locals say various parts of the road are broken, dug up, or being worked on too slowly, making daily commuting difficult and unsafe.
Chilmari Upazila Engineer Md. Zulfiqar Ali clarified that the road from College Mor to the bridge falls under a separate package.
The tender for this segment came nearly two years after the Horipur side's contract. He added that the project has received a three-month time extension and is expected to be completed before the new deadline.
