Kurigram Correspondent:

The long wait is over for residents along the Teesta riverbank, as the much-anticipated Third Teesta Road Bridge is set to open to traffic on Wednesday, marking a transformative milestone for the people of Chilmari in Kurigram and Sundarganj in Gaibandha.

Spanning 1,490 metres, this is the longest and most advanced bridge yet over the Teesta River. Built under the supervision of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the bridge cost Tk 367 crore for the main structure, with an additional Tk 363.85 crore spent on approach roads, river training, land acquisition, and other infrastructure—bringing the total project cost to over Tk 730 crore.

The bridge’s construction began in September 2020, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by China State Construction Engineering Corporation. Originally scheduled for completion in June 2023, the project faced five deadline extensions before finally being completed in August 2025.

Supported by 290 piles, 30 piers, 28 spans, and 155 girders, the bridge is accompanied by 12 small bridges, 58 box culverts, and 57 kilometres of connecting roads. Around 133 acres of land were acquired to facilitate the extensive river training and road construction efforts.

This third Teesta bridge follows two earlier ones: a 750-metre bridge built in Lalmonirhat in 2012 and an 850-metre span completed in Rangpur in 2018.

Residents and local leaders have hailed the new bridge as a game changer for the region.

“At last, our dream has come true. We’ve waited for years. This bridge will change our lives,” said Sirajul Haque, a 65-year-old farmer from Haripur village.

Zahurul Islam, a college teacher, noted a visible transformation even before the bridge’s inauguration. “The price of land in the area has increased and new businesses are emerging. Earlier, travelling to Rangpur or Dhaka used to be a real struggle. Now, commuting will be much easier. This bridge will be the driving force of our progress.”

Businessman Ranjit Chandra Saha highlighted the economic benefits, stating, “The distance between Kurigram and Dhaka will be reduced by 90 to 100 kilometres. It will also directly connect the Sonahat land port and Chilmari river port, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce.”

Gaibandha LGED Executive Engineer Uzzal Chowdhury confirmed that all preparations for the inauguration are complete.

“This bridge is a symbol of the aspirations of the people of the Teesta bank. It stands not only as a major infrastructure project but also as a symbol of hope, development, and opportunity for northern Bangladesh,” he said.