A Tk 559 crore border road in Netrakona’s Durgapur and Kalmakanda upazilas has remained largely underused since its completion in 2023, residents and officials say, as the absence of bridges over key rivers continues to disrupt patrols, travel and local development.

Built to strengthen national security, curb smuggling and boost economic activity in border areas, the 76-kilometre road — stretching from Haluaghat in Mymensingh through Netrakona to Mahishkhala in Sunamganj — has yet to deliver its intended benefits, according to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials and local residents.

“Gaps in patrol coverage from one border outpost to another mean smugglers can take advantage,” said Lt Col ASM Kamruzzaman, commander of BGB Battalion-31 in Netrakona.

While a 36-kilometre stretch within Netrakona is complete, bridges over the Netai, Someshwari, Ganeshwari, and Mahadeo rivers remain unbuilt. During the dry season, locals cross using makeshift wooden bridges; in the monsoon, strong currents cut off access entirely.

Union Parishad officials and residents described ongoing hardships.

Local government representatives and residents say the situation has caused persistent hardship.

Anisur Rahman Pathan Babul, chairman of Rangchhati union in Kalmakanda, said sudden flash floods make river crossings life-threatening.

“We have been hearing about a bridge for years, but no real initiative has been taken,” he said.

In Lengura and Kharnoi unions along the Ganeshwari river, Kharnoi Union Parishad Chairman Obaidul Haque said temporary bamboo-and-wood bridges allow some movement in dry months, but conditions become dangerous during the rainy season.

Jamal Uddin, a teacher in Durgapur municipality, said that while travel from Jamalpur to Mahishkhala is possible by motorcycle, the absence of bridges discourages use during the monsoon.

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has prepared a development project proposal (DPP) for five climate-resilient bridges over the four rivers, estimating a cost of Tk 3,745.97 crore, with Tk 895.22 crore from domestic sources and Tk 2,850.75 crore from foreign funding. The Netrakona portion includes four bridges – two over the Someshwari (Tk 441.02 crore and Tk 1,047.61 crore), one over the Mahadeo (Tk 454.44 crore), and one over the Ganeshwari (Tk 427.36 crore).

“Surveys, assessments, and site selection have been completed. The DPP has been sent to the ministry. Once approved, construction will begin,” said Mahmud Al-Noor Salehin, executive engineer of Netrakona RHD. “The bridges will reduce suffering and also boost tourism.”