Jhalokathi, July 27 (V7N) — A 37-year-old Bailey bridge over the Basanda River in Jhalokathi, officially declared unsafe more than a decade ago, continues to serve as a vital link on the Barishal–Khulna regional highway, raising growing concerns over public safety.

Despite repeated repairs, the ageing steel bridge remains heavily dependent on temporary fixes while carrying hundreds of buses, trucks, covered vans and other freight vehicles every day. Transport operators and local residents warn that the deteriorating structure could fail at any time, potentially disrupting one of southern Bangladesh's most important road corridors.

Ageing Structure Under Constant Strain

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the Bailey bridge was constructed during the 1988–89 fiscal year. Measuring 394 feet in length and 25 feet in width, it serves as a key transport route connecting Barishal, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, Bagerhat, Khulna, Jashore and other districts in southern Bangladesh.

Years of carrying traffic well beyond its original design capacity have taken a significant toll on the bridge. Steel deck plates have cracked, numerous bolts have loosened, and several sections have deteriorated.

Motorists say the entire bridge shakes whenever heavy vehicles cross it. Loose steel panels produce loud metallic noises that can be heard throughout the surrounding area.

Authorities frequently carry out welding and emergency maintenance, but the repairs provide only temporary relief before the same problems reappear.

Declared Unsafe, Yet Still in Use

The Roads and Highways Department officially declared the bridge unsafe approximately ten years ago.

Since then, engineers have repeatedly undertaken emergency repairs, including more than 100 temporary reinforcement works using welded steel plates and replacement fasteners. Nevertheless, drivers, passengers and local residents continue crossing the bridge every day despite the risks.

Residents fear that if the bridge were to collapse, road communication across large parts of southern Bangladesh could be severely disrupted.

Drivers Fear Major Accident

Several transport drivers described crossing the bridge as an increasingly alarming experience.

"Whenever our vehicles enter the bridge, loud noises begin immediately and the structure starts shaking. We are constantly worried that a serious accident could happen at any moment," one driver said.

Permanent Replacement Planned

The Roads and Highways Department says preparations for replacing the ageing Bailey bridge are progressing.

Officials confirmed that a feasibility study for a new permanent bridge has already been completed and the necessary documents have been submitted to the Office of the Chief Engineer for approval.

Jhalokathi Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Shahriar Sharif Khan said that construction of a permanent bridge would begin once government approval is obtained.

"The feasibility study has been completed. As soon as the project receives approval, construction of the new bridge can begin," he said.

Public Calls for Immediate Action

Although the bridge has remained operational through repeated maintenance and repair works over the past decade, local residents say temporary solutions can no longer guarantee public safety.

They argue that the bridge is no longer merely an ageing piece of infrastructure but a critical transport lifeline for millions of people across southern Bangladesh.

Concerned citizens are urging the government to prioritise construction of the replacement bridge before a major accident occurs.

Jhalokathi-2 Member of Parliament Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto and Reserved Seat Member of Parliament Jeba Amina Al Gazi said they have already raised the issue with the government, including through Parliament, and discussed it with the relevant authorities.

They expressed hope that a permanent solution would be implemented in the near future.

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