Rupganj Correspondent: In Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj, the construction of the Balu River bridge at Kayetpara Union remains unfinished after more than two decades, highlighting severe mismanagement and broken promises. The project began in 2001 under the Roads and Highways Department with an estimated cost of Tk 5 crore 80 lakh, intended to span 75.30 metres.
The main issues stalling completion include complex land acquisition for the connecting roads, design complications, and repeated objections from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). When BIWTA reclassified the river from third‑class to second‑class, new height and vertical clearance standards were imposed, causing further delay. Although a second phase was allocated roughly Tk 13 crore, and a new contractor was appointed, work has remained largely dormant.
Currently, only two piers, their columns, wing walls, and partial infrastructure exist; the rest of the construction hasn’t progressed in years. Local residents must detour approximately 12‑13 kilometres for travel, adding time and cost to daily journeys.
Completion of this bridge is seen as vital not only for Rupganj but also for easing traffic congestion on major connections from the north‑east (including Sylhet, Kishoreganj and Bhairab) into Dhaka, and for enhancing local economic development. Locals have expressed deep frustration, having seen repeated political pledges without action.
Officials, including the sub‑division engineer, have stated that BIWTA’s requirements for vertical clearance from high‑water level (12.20 metres) and gap between girders (76.22 metres) are difficult to meet given the actual width of the river. They argue that in its current state, the river cannot accommodate such spans.
As the people of Rupganj await completion, they call for renewed political will, accountability, and swift action to turn this long‑standing unfinished project into a functioning bridge that benefits the region.
