Construction of the much-coveted bridge on the river Shankha to link coastal upazila of Banshkhali with Chittagong city remained suspended for over two years to the utter disappointment of the people of this route. Roads and Highways (R&H) Department started construction of the bridge during the immediate past Awami League government. Construction of half of the bridge was done with RCC pillars and spans on both sides have already been completed. Work remained suspended for reasons unknown. Besides, an approach road at Tailerdwip at the Banshkhali end of the bridge is being damaged seriously for lack of carpeting. At present hundreds of vehicles carrying several thousand people cross the river by ferry service everyday at a cost higher than the fixed rate, local people said. At the same time ferry service depends on the high tides. During the low tides they as well as the vehicles get stuck there for hours when local engine boats ferry people charging exorbitantly high. Accidents also occur here frequently as the vehicles rush to avail the ferry service. In absence of the bridge, many people are forced to cover some 56 KMs while travelling to and from Banshkhali, some 22 KMs off the city, enroute to Patiya, Chandanaish and Satkania. The bridge is also important for the proposed TransAsian Highway which is to run through Chakaria in Cox's Bazar and Banshkhali and Anowara in Chittagong district to reach the port city.
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