Repair work of Shah Amanat Bridge to begin soon

The Shah Amanat Bridge on the river Karnaphuli, left; vehicles run on the worn-out decks risking the life of passengers, centre; and Communication Minister Nazmul Huda, right; visits the bridge on April 8 to see its condition for himself. PHOTO: STAR

The project, costing Tk 6 crore, was undertaken to make the bridge usable for light vehicles.

The high quality wood for decking and strengthening the bridge will arrive from Africa soon, sources said.

R&H Engineer Feroz Iqbal said the work will be completed within 180 days.

The Ministry of Communication at a meeting with Communication Minister Nazmul Huda in the chair on April 4 decided to repair the bridge with its own fund as the deck had developed at least 15 holes, threatening frequent accidents.

After completion of the repair work, the bridge will ensure smooth movement of light vehicles for at least five more years, sources said.

Under the project, a weighing machine and a toll plaza will be set up at the bridge to prohibit plying of heavy vehicles, as well as to realise revenue, sources said.

Shah Amanat Bridge, popularly known as Karnaphuli bridge, was constructed on Arakan Sarak (Chittagong-Cox's Bazar) in 1990. It linked south Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Bandarban with other parts of the country, bringing about a remarkable change in road communications in the region.

But within ten years of opening, the bridge was declared closed for heavy vehicles as its wooden deck developed cracks and became worn out at many points.

Meanwhile, Communication Minister Nazmul Huda at a meeting with the lawyers at the Chittagong court building on Wednesday said that construction of the proposed Third Karnaphuli Bridge would start this year.

Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Abdullah Al Noman at the Patiya Samity meeting at Muslim Institute on Saturday said that everything is set for starting construction of the bridge by September or October.

But an alternative means for maintaining the road communication was advised as construction of the proposed 3rd bridge was unlikely within the next three years.

Engineer Subhash Barua said construction of the proposed third bridge on the Karnaphuli is vitally needed to facilitate the plying of heavy transports. But it was essential to devise an alternative to the present crisis until the bridge was constructed.

"As an interim-service-provider, Shah Amanat Bridge can be used," Barua said. "If the decking helps Shah Amanat Bridge provide interim service and allow light vehicles, it would certainly be of some use," he said.