Tk 23cr bridge over Ratnai River opens

KURIGRAM, Sept 2: A 130.85-metre-long PC girder bridge over the Ratnai River was opened in Lalmonirhat on Saturday, improving road connectivity between Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and other parts of the northern region.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu inaugurated the Tk 23.06 crore bridge at Kulaghat Union in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila around 5pm on Saturday.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the minister said sustainable infrastructure and improved communication were key to economic development, adding that the country's road communication network had witnessed significant development under the current government.

He said the opening of the Ratnai Bridge would end the long-standing communication difficulties faced by residents of Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts.

“People will now be able to travel easily by road from Lalmonirhat through Phulbari to Nageshwari, Bhurungamari, Kurigram and surrounding areas,” he said.

The bridge will also eliminate the long-standing inconvenience of crossing the river and make travel safer, faster and more affordable, the minister said.

It will facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, expand trade and business, and contribute to the overall socioeconomic development of the region, he added.

Lalmonirhat Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Debashish Saha presided over the programme.

Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Md Rashedul Haque Pradhan, District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque and Kulaghat Union Parishad Chairman Md Idris Ali were present as special guests.

The bridge was constructed under the Roads and Highways Department's project for replacing dilapidated, narrow and important Bailey and other risky bridges in the Rangpur zone.

Concrete and Steel Technologies Ltd implemented the construction work.

SM Riaz Morshed, in-charge of the contractor, said only a small portion of the railing work remained and would be completed within a few days.