Delduar, July 19 (V7N) - A decaying Bailey bridge on the Tangail-Delduar road in Dullya area of Delduar Upazila, Tangail, has become a serious threat to public safety and regional connectivity. Built in 1989, the bridge now serves as a "death trap" for thousands of daily commuters, with its unstable metal decking frequently shifting, leading to multiple major accidents over the years. Despite repeated warnings, the bridge remains unrepaired, heightening the risk of further casualties and disrupting vital trade and transport links.
 
A field visit revealed that the bridge, located on the only road connecting Delduar to Tangail town, is still heavily used by small and large vehicles alike, even though caution signs are placed at both ends. The southern section of the bridge shows significant structural instability, with the metal planks rattling and shifting under the weight of passing vehicles. Vibrations are visibly felt with each crossing.
 
Local residents say the bridge has shifted and collapsed multiple times since its construction. In 2017, a truck fell off the bridge after a deck plate slipped, causing injuries and damage. A similar incident occurred in September 2023, when the bridge deck detached again, sending vehicles and passengers into the ditch below.
 
Abdur Rahim, a local resident, noted that while warning signs are posted, most drivers ignore them. "There is no alternative route. That’s why traffic continues, even though we all know the risks," he said. "Business and daily life are suffering, and heavy vehicles can’t use the road. The entire upazila is at risk of isolation."
 
Sajahan Khan from Tukchanpur pointed out that repeated patchwork repairs have failed. “The bridge deck shifts again and again. It’s a deadly trap. Authorities must rebuild it before it collapses completely.”
 
CNG driver Kamal Hossain echoed the concern, saying, “We cross very carefully, but accidents can happen anytime. Permanent repairs are essential. Makeshift fixes won’t prevent disaster, especially during monsoon.”
 
The situation is particularly concerning during heavy rains, when water further weakens the already compromised structure. Locals warn that without a complete shutdown during the rainy season, a serious accident is only a matter of time.
 
Residents also report that the Tangail-Delduar road is often used as a detour to avoid traffic congestion on the Dhaka-Tangail highway. As a result, heavy vehicles frequently cross the aging bridge, further accelerating its deterioration.
 
Happy Akhter, a commuter, said, “There’s no safe way. If we avoid this road, we have to take long detours through Pakulla or Nagarpur, which triples our transport costs. That’s why we risk it.”
 
Former Delduar Upazila Chairman S.M. Ferdous emphasized the bridge’s strategic importance. “It connects Tangail with Manikganj and several other upazilas. Mirzapur, Nagarpur, Delduar, Saturia, Sakhipur, Basail—all rely on this route. It must be rebuilt immediately.”
 
According to Delduar Upazila Executive Officer Md. Sabbir Ahmed, the local administration has already submitted a proposal to replace the Bailey bridge, and a project has been approved. “We expect construction work to begin soon. Meanwhile, another road from Delduar to Pakulla is already under development.”
 
As it stands, the Bailey bridge remains both a vital link and a looming hazard. Without swift and permanent reconstruction, residents and commuters may continue to face not only daily hardship, but potential disaster.
 
END/BKC/SMA/