Dilapidated bridge puts hundreds at risk in Nilphamari

Hundreds of people, including students, from three villages in Domar upazila of Nilphamari are facing hardship while crossing a neglected bridge with makeshift bamboo railings in the Shantinagar area of Ketkibari union.

The bridge has reportedly remained in poor condition for around 12 years. The soil on both sides has eroded, leaving deep holes and making the bridge difficult to access. The bridge lies on the road from Ketkibari Dalanganj Primary School to Pathanpara. Locals have installed bamboo railings over the eroded sections to allow people to cross.

Schoolchildren, pedestrians and other residents use the makeshift crossing daily. Motorcycle riders are also seen pushing their vehicles over the bamboo railings. Locals fear a major accident could occur at any time. Residents said the approaches to the bridge have collapsed for years. 

They built the bamboo culvert themselves to ease movement, but crossing remains risky. They said patients from the surrounding areas often have to be taken on a detour of three to four kilometres because vehicles cannot safely cross the bridge.

Students of nearby schools and colleges also face difficulties using the route and have urged the authorities to repair the bridge as soon as possible. Rashidul Islam Roman, chairman of Ketkibari Union Parishad, said the bridge between Thataripara and Pathanpara had been in a neglected state since before he took office.
He urged the authorities to take immediate steps to rebuild the bridge.

Domar Upazila Project Implementation Officer Ziaur Rahman said he was aware of the problem and that steps were being taken to address it. “A box-type bridge could be constructed there, but it may not withstand the soil conditions. Piling will be required. We are making arrangements for piling and will conduct further inspections if necessary,” he said.