Vehicle movement through the Kalurghat Bridge in Chattogram started experimentally on Sunday after 15 months of renovation works.
People from Boalkhali and Patiya in South Chittagong travel to and from the city of Chittagong using this bridge. The Railway authorities are currently not charging any toll for vehicles using the Kalurghat Bridge. All types of vehicles with a maximum height of 8 feet are permitted to use the bridge. However, heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses are not allowed on the bridge.
The Railway authorities said members of a specialized team from BUET observed several points during their inspection of the Kalurghat Bridge renovation. Earlier, they advised that reflective light paints should be used at various points and adequate lighting should be arranged to prevent disruption of vehicular movement at night. These tasks have also been completed on the bridge.
Vehicle movements through the bridge started formally at 10:00am on Sunday. Walkway was also constructed on the bridge for the first time for the benefit of the pedestrians.
General Manager of Bangladesh Railway East Zone Mohammed Nazmul Islam said the Kalurghat Bridge was opened for vehicle movements. According to the advice of the BUET, trucks and buses will not be allowed to use the bridge. However, the Estate Department of Bangladesh Railway will call for open tender to collect tolls from the vehicles using the railway bridge.
