Risky Kalikapur Bridge in Debidwar has become a disaster in waiting. Despite being severely damaged, it still carries thousands of people and hundreds of vehicles every day—risking lives at every moment.
Risky Kalikapur Bridge in Debidwar now stands as a ticking time bomb over the Gomti River. Built nearly 30 years ago with a steel structure, the bridge has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and the continuous passage of heavy vehicles—despite being originally intended for light traffic only. Locals say they’re forced to cross the bridge daily with death looming overhead.
A field visit reveals the bridge’s alarming state: cracked edges, missing bolts, broken steel plates, and deafening creaks when vehicles pass over it. The structure shakes dangerously, giving the impression that it may collapse at any moment.
CNG driver Monir Hossain said, “Over 500 vehicles cross this bridge daily. We’ve warned truck drivers repeatedly, but they ignore us. Some influential owners and drivers force their heavy trucks across, and it could lead to a major disaster anytime.”
Local volunteer leader Md. Babul Mia from Jafarganj Union said the Risky Kalikapur Bridge in Debidwar was built by former MP Engineer Monjurul Ahsan Munshi nearly three decades ago to ease river crossings. Though originally meant for light vehicles and pedestrians, years of unchecked heavy traffic and zero maintenance have rendered it dangerous. “No bolt has even been tightened since it was built,” he added.
Md. Jalal, a local expatriate, noted, “Thousands use this bridge daily to commute between the northern and southern parts of Debidwar and neighboring Brahmanpara. It’s the most vital link in the area, yet no repair work has ever been done.”
Dr. Md. Jasim Uddin commented, “This is now the riskiest bridge in the entire Debidwar upazila. Around 25,000 to 30,000 people, including students, office workers, and traders, cross it every day. Without immediate repairs and restrictions on heavy vehicles, a catastrophe is only a matter of time.”
Debidwar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) confirmed, “We’ve received a written complaint. The Project Implementation Officer (PIO) has been assigned to investigate. Once we get the report, necessary action will be taken.”
Risky Kalikapur Bridge in Debidwar is no longer just an aging steel structure—it is a lifeline hanging by a thread. With thousands relying on it each day, urgent repair and regulation are the only ways to prevent a tragedy.
