A Tk97.50 crore bridge over the Arial Khan River in Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur is facing a fresh erosion threat, with riverbank collapse near its western end alarming residents.
The southern bank beside the bridge on the Utrail-Shibchar road has started eroding again this monsoon. Locals fear continued erosion could weaken the structure as the river current is eating away the sandy riverbank.
Residents said around 200 metres of the riverbank collapsed during last year’s monsoon, pushing the river much closer to the bridge. A pillar that was once near the riverbank is now surrounded by water.
Mahidul Islam, a resident of Utrail Hat, said strong whirlpools near the bridge were causing the erosion. “The riverbank has already collapsed by more than 200 metres. If erosion continues under and beside the bridge, it will pose a serious risk,” he said.
Shopkeeper Shakhawat Hossain said locals had informed the authorities and held a human chain last year demanding river protection measures. “Concrete blocks were prepared during the bridge construction for riverbank protection, but they were never placed properly. Without protective work, erosion cannot be stopped,” he said.
The 550-metre-long and 9.80-metre-wide Liton Chowdhury Bridge was opened to traffic on 4 November 2023, connecting Shibchar headquarters with Dattapara, Shiruaill and Nilakhi unions.
According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the bridge was built at a cost of Tk97.50 crore. It has 11 spans, nine piers and 123 piles, each 48 metres long. The project also included a 1.50-kilometre approach road.
Gias Uddin, a schoolteacher, said erosion had resumed this year after a major collapse last monsoon. “More erosion is likely during the rest of the monsoon. Immediate steps are needed to protect the bridge,” he said.
Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer HM Ibne Mizan said the matter had been brought to his attention and the Water Development Board had been informed.
