Construction of four bridges on Shibchar-Madaripur route face delays, thousands suffer
The project became entangled in complications after construction began without completing land acquisition procedures or obtaining administrative approval from the land ministry, prompting agencies to shift blame among themselves
Highlights:
- Four bridges stalled, causing severe hardship for Madaripur local residents
- Construction began without land acquisition or approvals, triggering inter-agency blame
- Only about half completed; multiple deadlines expired across projects
- Students risk lives crossing rivers; farmers and businesses suffer losses
- Old bridges demolished, leaving unsafe crossings and frequent accidents
- Officials cite land issues; approvals submitted, resolution promised
Construction of four key bridges on the Shibchar-Madaripur regional road, connecting to the Padma Bridge, has remained stalled for a long time, causing severe hardship for thousands of local residents.
The project became entangled in complications after construction began without completing land acquisition procedures or obtaining administrative approval from the land ministry, prompting agencies to shift blame among themselves.
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At Kutubpur Bridge, several pillars stand in the middle of the river, but no construction activity is visible. Only 40% of the 90-metre bridge, approved at Tk30 crore, has been completed, while the project deadline has expired. Similar situations prevail at three other bridges along the 40-kilometre road, with work halted due to paperwork and land complications.
The under-construction Chilar Char Bridge over the dead Arial Khan River has left four unions without proper routes. Students cross the river on boats or trawlers, risking their lives. Farmers face difficulties transporting produce, and local businesses have suffered. "Not only did we fail to get a new bridge, we also lost the old one," locals said. Accidents are frequent, and emergency transport has become a daily struggle.
The Chanderchar and Hakimpur bridges have also exceeded deadlines, with work suspended for months due to land acquisition and classification issues. Once expected to ensure fast connectivity with Dhaka, the road now symbolizes local hardship.
According to Madaripur LGED, the Kutubpur Bridge, costing Tk29.29 crore, began in October 2023 and was to finish by October 2025, with only 40% completed. Chanderchar Bridge, costing Tk10.45 crore, began in November 2023 and is 30% complete. Chilar Char Bridge, costing Tk72.48 crore, began in January 2025, with 19% completed. The Hakimpur Bridge, costing Tk30 crore, remains halted due to acquisition issues. Overall, only about 50% of work across the four bridges, estimated at Tk141.51 crore, has been completed.
Madaripur LGED Executive Engineer Badal Chandra Kirtaniya said slow progress is due to land acquisition issues. Administrative approval has now been obtained, and documents submitted to the Deputy Commissioner's office.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Mohammad Ashraful Alam said complications arose because work began without proposals or approvals, creating issues in land classification and valuation. Authorities are coordinating with the implementing agency to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, Chanderchar resident Jabbar Khan said construction has been stopped for two years, leaving residents to suffer daily. Student Naima Akter described crossing the demolished old bridge on foot, often slipping in rain. Resident Selim Madbar said construction began without compensating landowners, causing daily accidents. Farmer Alauddin said stalled bridges have increased transport costs and hampered farmers' access to markets.
Ninth-grade student Naima Akter of Chilar Char High School said the old bridge was demolished to build a new one, forcing students to cross on foot through unsafe routes. "During the rainy season, we often slip and fall with our books. Many days we cannot attend classes on time. How long does it take to build a bridge, and how long will we have to suffer?" she asked.
Local resident Selim Madbar, whose land was supposed to be acquired for the Chilar Char Bridge, said construction began without compensating landowners. "They neither pay us nor continue the construction. No one can tell us when we will get our money," he said, adding that frequent accidents occur as people are forced to cross the damaged bridge area.
