Mawlana Bhashani Bridge opens after long wait

The Mawlana Bhashani Bridge, earlier known as Teesta Bridge, constructed over the Teesta River to connect Kurigram and Gaibandha districts, has been officially inaugurated today (Aug 20).

The launch has sparked jubilation among residents on both banks of the Teesta River, who had long awaited the project’s completion.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry, accompanied by Saudi guests, inaugurated the bridge at 12:45 pm.

Large stages and pandals were set up on both sides of the bridge for locals and guests. A festive mood prevailed among the people surrounding the inauguration.

The 1,490-meter-long PC Girder Bridge has been constructed over the Teesta River between Horipur Kheyaghat under Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha and Chilmari Kheyaghat under Chilmari upazila of Kurigram.

According to LGED sources, the bridge will reduce travel distance between the two districts by over 100 kilometers.

A Chinese contractor built the bridge under LGED supervision with financial assistance from the Saudi Development Foundation. The total construction cost stood at Tk 885 crore.

Of this, Tk 279.47 crore was spent on constructing the main bridge, Tk 10.25 crore on approach roads, Tk 8.55 crore on river management, and Tk 6 crore on land acquisition.

The bridge has 30 pillars-28 inside the river and 2 on the banks-while river training works have been implemented on 3.15 kilometers on both banks.

Additionally, 57.3 kilometers of connecting roads are being constructed - 7.3 km from Chilmari Matikata Junction to the bridge, and 50 km from Dhaperhat under Sadullapur upazila to Haripur Bridge.

According to LGED sources, the bridge is expected to play a vital role in improving the transportation of agricultural goods to Rangpur city and Kurigram and Gaibandha towns.