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Ratnai Bridge inauguration ends 8-year wait for two districts
Published : Sunday, 30 August, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Observer Correspondent
Ratnai Bridge over the Ratnai River at Kulaghat in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila has been officially inaugurated on Saturday (August 29), ending an eight-year wait.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Principal Asadul Habib Dulu inaugurated the 130.85-metre PC girder bridge on the 8th kilometer of the Lalmonirhat-Fulbari road.
Officials of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), local representatives, political leaders, and people from all walks of life attended the inauguration ceremony organized by the RHD.
Locals expect the new bridge will reduce long-standing communication hardships for people in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts. Travel will become significantly easier for residents of Fulbari, Nageshwari, and Bhurungamari upazilas of Kurigram, as well as Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila.
Officials noted that the bridge will cut travel time and transport costs while boosting trade and agricultural transport in the region.
After the inauguration of the Fulbari-Dharla Bridge on June 3, 2018, movement of small and light vehicles improved. However, heavy and cargo vehicles could not use the old, dilapidated bailey bridge over the Ratnai River. As a result, cargo trucks had to take a long detour of about 40 to 60 kilometres through Kurigram.
With the new bridge open, heavy vehicles can now travel directly, saving significant time and reducing freight expenses.
Sabuj, a fertilizer trader at Kulaghat Market, said, "Even after the Fulbari-Dharla Bridge opened, we could not reap full benefits due to the lack of a proper bridge over the Ratnai River. Finally, our eight-year wait is over. The bridge cuts travel distance by 40 to 45 kilometres and significantly lowers freight costs."
Fulbari trader Ashraf and Balarhat Market trader Adam Ali echoed similar sentiments, stating they previously had to travel nearly 60 kilometres via Nageshwari to transport goods. The new bridge eliminates this extra route, saving both time and money.
During construction, allegations of irregularities arose. Local residents complained about low-quality construction materials, inadequate retaining walls and boulders, and sand extraction from the riverbed. Questions were also raised regarding the access road design. RHD survey teams later inspected the site, and the contracting firm promised to make necessary adjustments.
The RHD constructed the 130.85-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide bridge at a cost of Tk 21 crore. Construction firm 'Present Engineer and Concrete and Steel Technology' implemented the project.
Project details show construction began on December 15, 2022. Land acquisition and other complications delayed initial work, but construction of the main bridge structure was later expedited.
S.M. Riaz Morshed, in-charge of the contracting firm, said the bridge was opened to traffic four days before Eid-ul-Adha to accommodate public movement. Minor finishing touches on the main bridge railing will be completed post-inauguration.
Executive Engineer of Lalmonirhat RHD Debashish Saha confirmed that main construction work is complete, with remaining work on access roads, painting, and railings currently underway.
Locals believe the bridge will bring relief not only to traders but also to students, office-goers, and general commuters. Reduced travel costs for agricultural produce and other goods are expected to create a positive impact on the local economy of both districts.
-MS/SA
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
