Kurigram: The Moulana Bhashani Bridge, formerly known as the Teesta Bridge, is poised for inauguration today, marking a significant infrastructural development over the Teesta River that will connect the Kurigram and Gaibandha districts. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry, is scheduled to inaugurate the bridge at noon, serving as the chief guest for the occasion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Executive Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Uzzal Chowdhury has confirmed the completion of all necessary preparations for the inauguration. The event is set to be a grand affair with large stages and pandals erected on both sides of the bridge for locals and invited guests, creating a festive atmosphere among the community.
The structure is a 1,490-meter-long PC Girder Bridge, strategically constructed over the Teesta River, linking Horipur Kheyaghat in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha with Chilmari Kheyaghat in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram. LGED sources highlighted that the bridge will significantly reduce the travel distance between the two districts by over 100 kilometers, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The construction of the bridge was executed by a Chinese contractor under the supervision of LGED, with financial backing from the Saudi Development Foundation. The total cost of construction reached Taka 885 crore. Specifically, Taka 279.47 crore was allocated for the main bridge, Taka 10.25 crore for the approach roads, Taka 8.55 crore for river management, and Taka 6 crore for land acquisition.
The bridge is supported by 30 pillars, with 28 situated within the river and 2 on the banks, alongside river training works spanning 3.15 kilometers on both banks. Furthermore, 57.3 kilometers of connecting roads are under construction, including a 7.3 km stretch from Chilmari Matikata Junction to the bridge and a 50 km stretch from Dhaperhat in Sadullapur upazila to Haripur Bridge.
LGED sources also noted that the bridge is expected to significantly enhance the transportation of agricultural goods to Rangpur city, as well as to the towns of Kurigram and Gaibandha. This development is anticipated to aid farmers in marketing their produce more efficiently, increase their incomes, and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the region.