Photo: BSS

NARAIL, May 9, 2026 (BSS) -  The under-construction Nabaganga Bridge at Baraipara Ghat in Narail is expected to bring a major transformation to the communication system between Narail district headquarters and Kalia upazila once completed.
 
Officials and local residents believe the bridge will significantly improve transportation, trade, agriculture, education, and healthcare services in the region, while also enhancing the overall quality of life for thousands of people living on both sides of the Nabaganga River.
 
According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the 651.83-meter-long and 10.25-meter-wide bridge, officially named the “Kalia Bridge,” is being constructed on the Narail-Kalia road at a cost of Taka 135.92 crore. Around 85 percent of the construction work has already been completed.
 
Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department Md. Nazrul Islam said the bridge would strengthen communication between Narail district headquarters, Kalia upazila, Khulna, Bagerhat, and nearby districts and upazilas.
 
“Once the bridge is completed, communication, agriculture, education, healthcare services, business, and commerce in various villages and markets of Sadar and Kalia upazilas will expand. The door to all-round development will open,” he said. 
 
He added that the bridge would increase interaction among people of the two upazilas and contribute to the exchange of education and culture in the region.
 
Residents of the area have welcomed the project, expressing hope that it will end long-standing transportation difficulties caused by dependence on boats at the river crossing.
 
Lipon Sheikh, a resident of Lakshipur village in Kalia upazila, said the bridge would drastically reduce travel time to the upazila headquarters and other destinations.
 
“After the bridge is completed, we will be able to travel quickly and easily without facing the hardships we experienced in the past,” he said.
 
Asif Sardar, a resident from Raghunathpur village under Purulia union, said commuters would no longer need to wait for boats at the river ghat.
 
“This will save both time and effort, and people will be able to reach their destinations much faster,” he added.
 
Kalia upazila BNP acting president and former chairman of Khashiyal Union Parishad Md. Asjadur Rahman Mithu said the bridge would bring modernization and prosperity to the riverine areas surrounding the Nabaganga River.
 
“The construction of the bridge at Baraipara Ghat will change the lifestyle of people living along the riverbanks and nearby areas. Riverine Narail will emerge as a model district of development and prosperity,” he said.
 
Local residents said that the Nabaganga River has long separated Kalia upazila from Narail district town, making transportation difficult and time-consuming. Once the bridge opens to traffic, direct road communication with Narail Sadar, Kalia, Khulna, Bagerhat, and surrounding regions is expected to become much easier.
 
Executive Engineer Nazrul Islam said the construction work is scheduled to be completed by June 30 this year, in accordance with the agreement signed with the contractor.
 
“We hope the work will be completed within the stipulated time,” he said.