Rail bridge only means of crossing river for villagers

People of three villages in Badiakhali union of Gaibandha Sadar upazila have been crossing a tributary of Karotoa River using a rail bridge for want of a footbridge over it.

Every day, hundreds of people, including students, cross the bridge risking their lives.

The bridge is situated at Darerbatha, two kilometres off Badiakhali Rail Station, and has been used by the pedestrians and traders since the British regime.

No initiative has been taken till now to construct a footbridge beside the rail bridge to ease communication for the people of Narikeltola, Simultari and Fulbari villages.

It is very risky to cross the bridge, and pedestrians often face difficulties when a train appears, said Hakimuddin, a trader of Badiakhali bazar.

Carrying goods over the bridge is very difficult, and pedestrians often get injured when they slip on the sleepers, said Saiful Alam, another trader.

Very recently, one Nasimuzzaman Nishad, a Class X student of Badiakahli High School, received severe injuries when he jumped from the bridge to avoid a running train.

People have been demanding construction of a footbridge across the river for a long time, but the authorities concerned pay no heed to the demand.