Part of a bridge has collapsed recently in Katakhali Kandi Para area on the Garfa-bound road from Chatmohar to Baraigram in Natore district. Thousands of people and drivers of the area have to suffer due to traffic stoppage on this important road.
It is known that there are about 12 kilometers of road of the Directorate of Local Government Engineering through Mathurapur Bazar-Ancutia-Katakhali Bazar-Kandipara from Tenachira Junction in Mathurapur Union of Chatmohar.
This road joins Jonail-Rajapur road in Garfa area of Natore. A bridge was built in the Kandipara area of this road about 50 years ago. In order to avoid the suffering due to previous collapse, the locals also financed the renovations themselves. In the last few days, the western part of the bridge has again broken down and the part is breaking constantly. Although people and small vehicles are moving on this bridge at the risk of their lives, the movement of private cars, trucks, buses, autovans, pickups and other such vehicles is stopped.
In this regard, Alim Abdullah, a resident of Katakhali village and others, said that due to the collapse of some parts of the bridge, traffic is almost stopped. However, people, bicycles, motorcycles, vans are moving on this bridge with huge risk. Minor accidents happen here frequently. There is also the possibility of major accidents occurring at any time. Only the iron rod is exposed due to the collapse of the casting. On Friday and Monday, traders from different parts of the country came to Katakhali haat to buy different types of crops and take them to different parts of the country in trucks and pickups.
Construction of this important bridge along with the construction of alternative side roads for traffic has become urgent. Moreover, about 3 kilometers of this road from Katakhali Bazar to Garfa has been damaged and has become impassable. The residents have demanded the renovation and expansion of this road.
Chairman Shamim Hossain said that I have raised the matter in the Upazila Parishad. A new bridge needs to be built in place of the old bridge. Besides, expansion of Tenachira-Garfa road is also very important.
Chatmohar Upazila Engineer Sultan Mahmud said, I am now sending people to investigate. For the time being, the bridge will be quickly renovated and made suitable for vehicular movement.
Necessary measures will be taken in this regard.
