Kurigram:The construction of the Sonahat Bridge over the Dudhkumar River in Bhurungamari upazila remains incomplete seven years after its initiation. The project has faced delays due to a land acquisition dispute, despite six deadline extensions and an increase in projected costs to Tk 141 crore. This situation forces thousands of locals and heavy vehicles to rely on an old railway bridge, built in 1887, posing significant safety risks.
According to United News of Bangladesh, about 75 percent of the 645-meter-long bridge's main structure is complete, including 14 slabs, 70 girders, and 14 spans. However, progress is stalled on a 280-meter section of the eastern approach road due to a land dispute between Bangladesh Railway and local residents, which hinders the land acquisition process.
The project, initially approved in 2018 with an estimated cost of Tk 136.33 crore by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), saw its budget increased to Tk 141 crore. A joint venture of MM Builders and Engineers Ltd and National Development Engineers Ltd (JV) was contracted for the project. Work began on July 22, 2019, with an initial completion target of January 22, 2021. However, completion has been delayed due to design flaws, increased material costs, slow contractor progress, and land disputes.
Shamim Reza, a manager from the contracting firm, noted that a recent inter-ministerial meeting aimed to address the land dispute, but a resolution has yet to be reached. Consequently, hundreds of vehicles, including those transporting goods through Sonahat Land Port, continue to use the deteriorating railway bridge, leading to traffic congestion and heightened accident risks.
Local auto-rickshaw driver Ashraful Alam expressed frustration over delays at the bridge, especially during market days, due to its damaged deck. Residents have reported that the prolonged delay in completing the bridge negatively impacts communication, trade, and commerce in the border area.
Mir Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Kurigram RHD's executive engineer, confirmed that approximately 75 percent of the bridge work is finished and stated plans to complete construction by next June, contingent on resolving the land acquisition issues.