The much talked about Raniganj bridge on the river Kushiara in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj would bring a major shift in the locals communication. It would reduce three hours for travelling from Sunamganj district town to the capital. Besides, their suffering in travelling via the divisional city of Sylhet is expected to be over.
Although the important project was taken up and approved years ago, but much time were spent without any development. At last, works on the project was started in 2017. The Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader laid foundation of the much-desired bridge in January, 2017.
The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018. The distance between Jagannathpur upazila headquarters and Sunamganj district town would be reduced by 52 km, officials from the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) said.
However, it is almost impossible to complete things by the end of this year, concerned sources apprehended.
About 35 per cent works on the 702 meter long bridge of 10.25 metre wideth at Raniganj on the regional highway named Jagonnathpur-Pagla-Raniganj-Aushkandi. It would have 15 spans on 14 peers. It would also have 2.5 km long approaches. The PC and box guarder bridge is being constructed at a cost of Tk 1.268 billion, sources added.
Additional chief engineer of RHD, Sylhet zone, Md Shahnawaz said, "We are trying to complete the construction in time, but things would be delayed for some reasons."
The state minister for Finance and Planning MA Mannan said the RHD officials have been asked to complete the work as soon as possible.
iqbal1527@hotmail.com