The only escalator footbridge in Chattogram, built at a cost of nearly Tk4 crore, has remained out of service for years.
The bridge was shut down shortly after its inauguration and has not been made operational again in the past six years. As a result, pedestrians are forced to cross the busy road at considerable risk.
The footbridge was constructed in 2020 on Zakir Hossain Road, in front of Chattogram Diabetic General Hospital. Built at a cost of Tk3.9 crore, the structure is 65 feet long and 9 feet wide. It was designed to ensure safe crossing for patients and their relatives, with a modern escalator installed alongside traditional stairs.
The sensor-based escalator was designed to operate automatically when stepped on, helping to minimise electricity consumption.
However, just two months after its inauguration, the escalator was shut down, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the entrance to the bridge has remained locked.
A visit to the site showed that pedestrians in the busy Wireless Mor area continue to cross the road directly, risking their lives. The costly footbridge, located nearby, remains unused and effectively non-functional, serving only as a piece of urban infrastructure with little practical use.
Due to prolonged disuse, the bridge has turned into a gathering spot for criminals. There are allegations of drug use and other antisocial activities taking place there at night. Organised theft rings have also removed various parts of the escalator, while rainwater has damaged much of the remaining equipment.
Moslem Nirab, a resident of the Jalalabad Housing area, said the bridge had been closed during the pandemic but was never reopened afterwards.
He said the bridge had been constructed following long-standing demands from local residents. Now, he added, they are forced to cross the road with their children at considerable risk.
The bridge has remained closed because the electricity cost was considered too high compared with its usage.
Chattogram City Corporation Acting Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Ashraful Amin advised reaching out to the chief engineer. However, despite repeated attempts, Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman could not be reached for comment.
