The construction of an 81-metre bridge over the Kumar river in Ujangram area of Kushtia Sadar upazila remains incomplete even after nearly five years.

The delay has disrupted road communication on the Kushtia–Alamdanga route, increasing transportation costs for local farmers and contributing to a rise in road accidents.

The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) initiated construction of the bridge on November 3, 2020 at a cost of Tk 7.25 crore, aiming to replace the old steel structure at the same spot, which had become vulnerable and risky for vehicular movement.

The project was originally scheduled for completion by March 8, 2022. However, despite two extensions to the deadline, a significant portion of the work remains unfinished.

The bridge is vital for connecting people from Kushtia Sadar, Harinakundu of Jhenaidah, and Alamdanga of Chuadanga.

"For residents of Ujangram, Jhaudia, Manohardia, and Goswami Durgapur unions in Kushtia Sadar, there is no alternative road. As construction of the bridge remains incomplete for so long, we have been facing immense hassle with our daily commute," said Badal Hossain, a resident of Manohardia union.

Sumaiya, a student of Kushtia Government College from Jhaudia union, said, "Buses cannot ply the old bridge, and the new bridge remains under construction, so bus operation remains halted on the route. As such, commuting daily to attend classes became impossible, so I now have to live in the town."

Jalil, a local farmer, said, "Our vegetables used to be transported to markets in Dhaka. Now, large trucks cannot cross the old bridge, so traders use smaller vehicles, which increases their transport costs. As a result, they offer us lower prices for our produce."

The bridge construction is being carried out by a joint venture called MNM and SE (JV) from Pabna's Bera upazila.

Contacted, Nuruzzaman Mia, proprietor of the firm, said delay in fund disbursement by LGED has slowed down the progress.

"About 90 percent of the work has been completed. The remaining 10 percent will be done by next month. However, I have so far received only Tk 4 crore of the project cost," he said.

Md Abdur Razzak, executive engineer of LGED in Kushtia, said, "The work is almost completed. The sub-contractors, who were previously engaged, disappeared after August 5 changeover. Now, the main contractor has taken full responsibility to finish the work. We hope to open the bridge by next month."