Netrakona, Aug. 13 (V7N) — A newly constructed 10-metre PSC girder bridge in Madan upazila of Netrakona has developed major cracks within about a year of its inauguration, raising concerns over public safety and the quality of the construction work.

The bridge, built at a cost of around Tk 8 crore 16 lakh under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), is located on the Changao Union Parishad Office–Khaguria Ferry Ghat road, which connects with the Madan-Netrakona regional road.

Following the appearance of extensive cracks in the bridge's girders and approach roads, authorities have suspended all vehicular movement over the structure, fearing a possible accident. The closure has caused significant difficulties for thousands of residents who depend on the route for daily travel.

Local residents have alleged that the contractor, Samiran Chowdhury-MRS (JV), used substandard construction materials and that irregularities occurred during the construction process. The project began in July 2020 and was completed in March 2024. Residents said the bridge deteriorated within a relatively short period after completion.

A visit to the site found that sections of the approach roads on both sides had subsided and become separated from the main structure. Large cracks were also visible in the bridge's girders, with some reportedly worsening over time.

With traffic suspended, residents of Changao Union and several surrounding villages have been forced to take longer routes or face difficulties in travelling to nearby areas.

The deterioration of the newly constructed bridge has sparked anger among local residents, who have called for an investigation into the alleged irregularities, accountability for those responsible and urgent measures to restore the bridge and ensure safe connectivity.

Asked about the condition of the bridge, contractor Samiran Chowdhury said the construction work had been completed and the company had already received its payment. He referred questions about the bridge's current condition to LGED.

Madan Upazila LGED Engineer Arif Ullah Khan said he had only recently joined the office and therefore did not yet have detailed information about the project.

“However, the matter will be examined and appropriate measures will be taken after verification,” he said.

Authorities are expected to assess the structural condition of the bridge and determine the reasons behind the cracks before deciding on further action.

END/ATN/SMA/