The under-construction bridge over Teesta River in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila sees completion of only about 55 percent work although the stipulated time ends onMay31 this year.

Work of the 750 metre-long and 12.11 metre-wide bridge began on September 7, 2006.

The Roads and Highway Department and the Ministry of Communications are implementing the bridge project while two construction firms — Amin-Delim (Bangladesh) and Asco-JV (India) - are constructing the road over Teesta in ajoint venture.

The project manager of Amin-Delim (Bangladesh), Shafiqur Rahman claimed that 70 percent work of the bridge had been completed.

"We hope to complete the remaining work by September this year. We faced some problem in the middle of 2007 over approval of the bridge design, which led us to suspend construction work for four months," he said, adding that over 200 labourers are working relentlessly to complete construction of the bridge in time.

Construction of 16 pillars, five culverts, an under-pass and approach roads have been almost competed, said sources of the construction firms.

When contacted, RHD

sub-divisional engineer (Bridge Project) Shafiqul Islam said it would not be possible to complete the bridge by May 31 deadline as only 55 per cent of the work has been completed in 43 months.

The bridge is a long time demand of about 45 lakh people of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts, who have been using the century-old

railway-cum-road bridge over the Teesta Ri ver amid risk

"We drive vehicles very cautiously on the bridge as it faces risk of collapse any time,” said bus driver Haider Ali, 60, who is also a freedom fighter.

"People of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram have been facing untold sufferings as Teesta railway-cum-road bridge on the most important

doorway to the two districts has become highly risky. We are eagerly waiting for the road bridge over the Teesta,” said local businessman GoutamSarker.

Cross sections of people in the two districts have urged the authorities concerned to take initiative for early completion of the Teesta bridge to ease communication with other parts of the country.