Photo: BSS

KHULNA, June 30, 2026 (BSS) – Construction of one of the two parallel steel network arch bridges over the Mayur River at Gallamari, the main gateway to Khulna city, is expected to be completed in September this year, offering long-awaited relief to thousands of commuters. 

According to official sources, construction of the two aesthetically designed bridges began in October 2023 and was scheduled for completion by March 30, 2025.

Following delays, the deadline was extended until June 28, 2026. However, the contractor has now sought a further extension until June 30, 2027, to complete the entire project.

The officials, however, said the first bridge has made significant progress and is likely to be opened to vehicular traffic in September next year, while the second bridge is expected to take another year to complete.

Sources said the project suffered prolonged delays mainly due to financial constraints, raising concerns among city residents over its implementation.

As the project remained stalled for many days, local people organised human chains, submitted memorandums and held press conferences demanding its speedy completion.

The pace of construction accelerated after Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju visited the project site in mid-June and instructed the authorities concerned to expedite the work.

A visit to the project site on Tuesday (today) found that the erection of the steel structure was at its final stage. The main arch has already been connected, while preparations are underway for casting the deck slab and installing the hangers.

Project sources said overall physical progress of the two bridges stands at about 40 percent after 39 months of work.

Construction of the first bridge has reached approximately 65 percent completion, with the remaining work expected to be finished by August, allowing it to be opened to traffic in September.

Construction of the second bridge will begin immediately after completion of the first one, the sources added.

Contacted, Executive Engineer of the Khulna Roads and Highways Department (RHD) Md Tanimul Haque told BSS that the project includes construction of the two bridges along with a 750-metre approach road at a cost of Tk 67.66 crore.

Expressing frustration over the delay, Member Secretary of Khulna Nagorik Samaj Advocate Babul Hawlader said thousands of vehicles and pedestrians using the busy Khulna-Satkhira highway are suffering severe inconvenience every day due to traffic congestion caused by the ongoing construction.

Responding to the delay, Executive Engineer Tanimul Haque said both the contractor and other stakeholders lacked prior experience in constructing this type of steel network arch bridge.

"There was a lack of experience, and financial constraints also slowed the progress. However, the work has been carried out in consultation with technical experts," he said.

He said a team of Chinese specialists is expected to arrive shortly to install the bridge hangers.

"There will be no compromise on quality. Although the project duration may be extended, there will be no increase in the project cost. The contractor must complete the work within the contractual amount," he said.

He expressed optimism that the bridges would become a modern and attractive landmark for Khulna.