Deadlock between two departments brings Gomti Bridge Project to standstill

CUMILLA, Oct 28 (UNB): The long-awaited Gomti River bridge construction project in Muradnagar has hit a roadblock, caught in a bitter dispute between two government departments.

The disagreement over the bridge's height has stalled the third package of the Muradnagar-Daudkandi road development project, leaving thousands of residents to bear the brunt of the delay.

Official sources reveal that the project, with a budget of Tk 845 million (84.5 crore), has been suspended due to objections from the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

The board insists that the new bridge must be constructed at least 20 feet higher than the existing Bailey bridge to avoid obstructing the river's flow. But the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) argues that raising the bridge by only 3 to 4 feet would suffice, maintaining consistency with other bridges along the Gomti.

The deadlock has stalled the finalisation of the bridge's design, leaving the issuance of tenders in limbo, sources say.

Consequently, they said, this critical infrastructure project has remained in limbo for an extended period due to the tug-of-war between the two departments.

Currently, a Bailey bridge built in 1988 spans the Gomti River, now in a dilapidated and unstable condition.

Hundreds of vehicles cross the bridge daily, braving significant risks. Locals fear a major accident could occur at any moment, as even heavy vehicles make the structure tremble.