United News of Bangladesh

Construction of the much-awaited Sonahat Bridge over the Dudhkumar River in Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram has remained incomplete even after seven years, with the project stalled over a land acquisition dispute despite six extensions and an increase in the project cost to Tk 141 crore. As a result, thousands of people from six local unions, along with heavy vehicles carrying goods to and from Sonahat Land Port, are being forced to use a dilapidated railway bridge built in 1887, putting their lives at serious risk. According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and the contractor, around 75 percent of the main structure of the 645-metre bridge has been completed. Fourteen slabs, 70 girders and 14 spans of the bridge have already been constructed, while nearly one kilometre of the approach road at the western end has also been completed.