Ctg to construct 38 footbridges for safer pedestrian crossings

Infographics: TBS

Thirty-eight new foot overbridges will be constructed at 31 of Chattorgam city's busiest and most accident-prone intersections — an initiative experts say could reduce pedestrian accidents and improve traffic flow if properly used.

For years, residents of Chattogram have risked their lives crossing busy intersections without pedestrian overpasses. The lack of footbridges has not only led to frequent accidents but also worsened traffic congestion by disrupting vehicle flow.

But, despite repeated public demands over the years, neither the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) nor the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) had taken any visible steps to address the issue until now.

The long-awaited project, funded by the local government ministry, is estimated to cost just over Tk58 crore. Of the 38 planned foot overbridges, the CCC will implement 35, while the CDA will construct the remaining three. 

According to CCC's Engineering Department, work orders have already been issued for 16 of the overpasses following the completion of the tender process, while tenders are being reissued for three more. The design phase has been completed for the remaining 16, with tenders currently underway. 

"We expect to finalise all tenders within the next two months and begin full-scale construction shortly after," said Ashikul Islam, executive engineer of CCC's civil engineering wing. "Our goal is to complete construction and open all the bridges to the public by June 2026."

The footbridges will be constructed using reinforced cement concrete (RCC) foundations and steel superstructures for durability. Depending on the location and size, each bridge will cost between Tk1.5 crore and Tk2.5 crore. 

Construction has already started at several major intersections, including GEC, Sholoshahar Gate No 2, Bahaddarhat, Kaptai Rastar Matha, KEPZ, Katgar, and in front of the Public Cantonment School. Work orders have also been issued for overpasses at Alkaran (2 bridges), Barek Building Intersection, AK Khan Intersection, and Cement Crossing, though physical construction has not yet begun.

Re-tendering is underway for bridges at Ruby Gate in Bayezid, Kattoli City Gate, and Mansurabad in Pahartali. 

Tenders are also being processed for the final set of bridges at 16 locations, including Muradpur, Oxygen, Technical, Dewanhat, Choumuhani, Badamtoli, Nimtola, Sagorika, Nayabazar, and Saltgola intersections.

Welcoming the initiative, transportation engineering expert Subhash Barua praised the CCC's efforts, saying, "Foot overbridges are vital for road safety in busy urban areas. This initiative should have been taken years ago." 

However, he cautioned that merely building footbridges won't be enough if pedestrians continue to cross roads directly, ignoring the overpasses.

Experts have stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to encourage proper use of the new infrastructure. 

Subhash suggested installing tall and effective road dividers under the bridges and in surrounding areas to prevent jaywalking, thereby compelling pedestrians to use the footbridges.

According to experts, if properly implemented and used, the overbridge project could significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities and improve traffic flow on Chattogram's busy roads.