Rajshahi, Oct 01 (V7N)- Despite the inauguration of six new footover bridges in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) on September 11, the bridges remain largely unused by pedestrians. The structures, built at a cost of Tk 500.72 million, were intended to ease traffic and improve pedestrian safety, but poor design, improper placement, and limited need have left them idle.

Pedestrians express frustration, citing the inconvenient placement and risky design of the bridges. Abul Hayat , a visitor from Naogaon, remarked, "It takes too long to use the bridge, and the slippery tiles make it unsafe." Many people, like Mahfuzul Haque , a student at New Govt. Degree College, find it easier to cross the road directly rather than using the steep, poorly designed staircases.

The footover bridges, constructed at key intersections, include locations such as Laxmipur Mintu Chattar , Naodapara Bazar , and Talaimari Mor . However, according to Nipun Roy , a student from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), the placement of the bridges does not meet the actual needs of pedestrians. "The bridge design doesn’t accommodate the major roads we need to cross," he said.

Experts from RUET are also questioning the necessity of these structures. Professor Dr. MST Ilm Faridtul , Head of RUET’s City and Regional Planning Department, stated that the bridges were planned without proper input from transport engineers, leading to their poor reception. "These bridges were built in areas without significant pedestrian issues, making them largely redundant," he explained.

Despite the criticism, city officials remain optimistic. Dr. ABM Sharif Uddin , Chief Executive Officer of RASIK, acknowledged the low usage but believes the public will gradually adapt to using the bridges. "In Dhaka, people resist using them despite the traffic jams, but over time, these will help reduce congestion here in Rajshahi," he said.

However, the city’s Divisional Commissioner Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir has indicated that changes will be made to improve the situation. "We will review the current design and make necessary adjustments, including replacing the tiles if required," he said.

As two additional footover bridges remain under construction, the question remains whether these costly projects will fulfill their intended purpose or continue to stand unused due to planning oversights.

END/RA/AJ