Rupganj Correspondent: The Demra-Chonpara Bridge in Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj has become a serious danger to public safety.
Despite a warning signboard marking the bridge as risky, no effective action has been taken to repair or replace it. Every day, thousands of people, including schoolchildren, workers, and traders, cross this bridge, risking their lives.
The bridge was built in 1991 over the Balu River, connecting Dhaka to Narayanganj's Rupganj and Gazipur's Kaliganj. It was constructed at a cost of around Tk 1.1 crore, with a lifespan of 60 years. However, only 34 years later, it is in a fragile and alarming condition. The bridge is 110 feet long and 12 feet wide, and it now shakes under the weight of vehicles. Locals fear it may collapse at any time.
In past years, cracks and structural damage appeared, especially in 2000 and 2012. At those times, authorities declared the bridge risky and restricted heavy vehicles. However, restrictions were later lifted, and now all types of vehicles, including heavy ones, are using the bridge again. River traffic, especially barges and trawlers, has also hit the bridge pillars multiple times, damaging its structure further.
Local people, parents, and traders have all raised concerns. Parents worry about their children crossing the bridge daily. Traders complain that they have to carry goods across it, even though it shakes dangerously under weight. Daily labourers say they have no other option but to cross the bridge to reach work.
One schoolteacher said, "This bridge is not just infrastructure, it is the economic lifeline of our area. If it collapses, everything will stop."
Rupganj Upazila Engineer Akhtar Hossain confirmed that a tender had been issued for a new bridge, but it could not move forward due to several issues. One of the main challenges is a change in international river bridge construction standards. Previously, a clearance of 9 metres above the river was required. Now, due to South Asian inland navigation standards, 12 metres is required, making the new design more complex and expensive. This has also delayed the project, as the original plan (from 2019-20) is now outdated and invalid.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam Joy said, “We have informed the ministry and are trying to include the bridge in a new project. If we stick to the new 12-metre height rule, land acquisition will be needed on both sides. But if we are allowed to keep it at 9 metres, no acquisition is needed. A new bridge will be built soon, but the process is complicated.”
