The two escalators installed at the busy footbridge in the capital’s busy Farmgate area have remained out of service for nearly three years, thereby frustrating commuters.
What was meant to ease movement for pedestrians has instead turned into a deteriorating eyesore due to sheer neglect and lack of maintenance on part of the authorities concerned. Commuters who regularly use the bridge express dissatisfaction over the poor condition of these two moving staircases.
Many wonder when the escalators will be put into use, as nobody seems to have an answer. Furthermore, the area is congested with street vendors, adding to the daily discomfort. Experts point out that such projects, when not tailored to the local environment and needs, fail to deliver on their promise of improving public movement. The footbridge was originally demolished in 2022 to make way for the construction of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
The expressway authorities funded the project, investing Tk 20 crore for the reconstruction. The bridge itself was built at a cost of Tk 14 crore by the Bangladesh Army’s 24 Engineering Brigade under the supervision of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). However, the escalators, which are part of the second-largest pedestrian bridge in the country, have fallen into disrepair. The 206-feet-long structure, located near the Sejan Point, is surrounded by heaps of garbage, making it almost unusable.
The area around the escalator is filled with waste from nearby shopping malls and street vendors. Despite a bamboo fence blocking access to the escalator, the space has become a dumping ground for trash. The escalator on the other end of the bridge, although free from debris, remains in poor condition as well. Not only are the escalators non-functional, according to local pedestrians, but there is also a lack of maintenance for the machinery.
The rusted escalators now serve only as ornamental features, making it difficult for elderly people, children, and those with disabilities to cross the bridge, they grumble.
In an interview with TIMES of Bangladesh, Sohel Rana, a regular commuter, shared his concerns: “This bridge is comparatively high, and those with breathing difficulties may face serious problems. The escalators were supposed to make it easier for the elderly and women, but they are still not operational.”
Kishwara Sultana, another commuter, emphasised that activating the escalators is now a pressing need. One Abul Kalam echoed her sentiments, saying, “Such a beautiful bridge should not be left like this. The authorities should pay attention.”
Another female commuter from Rokeya Sarani said, “If the escalators are not working, what’s the point of having them? Is it just to add beauty? No one understands our struggles.” A traffic police officer stationed beneath the overbridge revealed that many people now run across the road due to the non-functioning escalators, increasing the risk of accidents.
About the state of the escalators, M Shamsul Haque, who teaches civil engineering at BUET and former director of the Accident Research Institute, said, “Elevators were installed at the footbridges in Banani and Airport Road.”
“However, these installations have not been maintained properly, and there is no staff dedicated to their upkeep. There is no accountability. These projects are merely a waste of money,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
The expert further explained that maintenance is crucial for escalators, as the machinery requires continuous upkeep. Without proper maintenance, escalators fail quickly, especially given the heavy dust pollution in Dhaka.
Despite attempts to contact multiple senior officials at the DNCC, none responded to phone calls for comment. However, in a recent interview with the media, DNCC administrator Mohammad Ejaz assured that they are considering hiring two Ansar members for security and maintenance of the bridge and escalators, adding that the moving staircases will be up and running soon.
This development project is a classic example of “happy development”, remarked communication expert Shamsul Haque. “When one fails to understand their own country and environment, such mistakes are bound to happen. This results in increasing costs without improving public movement.”
