For the people of South Chattogram, the nearly century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River has turned into a daily ordeal. Built in 1930, the bridge still serves both rail and road traffic.
This dual use is now generating severe congestion, long delays, and rising safety concerns. For many locals, it has become the single biggest obstacle to smooth mobility and regional development.
The bridge is single-lane, meaning vehicles from both directions cannot pass at the same time. As a result, long queues form on both sides at Bahaddarhat, Kaptai Road, and Boalkhali. Commuters often wait 20 to 40 minutes, sometimes over an hour.
The situation worsens during train crossings, when all road traffic is halted. This creates long tailbacks, heavily affecting officegoers, students, and emergency patients. Ambulances carrying critically ill patients are often trapped, where every minute counts.
“I sometimes have to take the ferry when the bridge is jammed,” said Shaima Akter, a resident of Boalkhali.
“But reaching the ferry ghat itself requires a long walk, and after crossing, getting to the bus stand is another struggle. It is especially difficult for women and elderly passengers.”
Daily commuter and motorcyclist Rofiqul Islam described a more desperate reality. “We get stuck on the bridge for hours.
Many riders even take the risk of crossing via the railway track to save time. It is extremely dangerous, but we have no other choice because livelihoods depend on it,” he said.
Locals also point out that recent renovation works linked to railway operations on the Cox’s Bazar route have not addressed the core problem.
Concerns remain about whether the ageing structure can safely handle heavy traffic loads, given its continued dual usage.
Patients travelling to Chattogram Medical College Hospital from South Chattogram also suffer greatly, with ambulances frequently delayed in traffic. In some cases, locals say delays have proved fatal.
The bottleneck is also hurting the economy, discouraging investment and causing heavy time and fuel losses. While a ferry service exists, it is unreliable due to tides, risky boarding, and monsoon disruptions.
Boalkhali-Chandgaon constituency Member of Parliament Ershad Ullah acknowledged the severity of the situation, calling the bridge a long-standing source of hardship for the people of South Chattogram.
“This is not just a transport issue; it is directly linked to the economy, healthcare, and public safety.
A modern four-lane bridge is now a pressing demand. Discussions are underway at the highest levels of government, and we are working to ensure swift action,” he said.
For daily commuters, however, promises bring little relief. Until a new bridge is built, Kalurghat remains a narrow, ageing artery struggling under the weight of an entire region.
