Alif Gopalganj Correspondent:

Unimaginable socio-economic development in the construction of the Baultali Bridge on the Madhumati Billroot Channel in Gopalganj

The construction of the 200-meter-long RCC 7’32-meter-wide Baultali Bridge on the Madhumati Billroot Channel in Gopalganj district has brought about a epoch-making change in the lives of the people of this region. This bridge has now become a milestone in the socio-economic development of the area, putting an end to the endless hardships of travel, waste of time and economic losses for years.

This bridge was a long-standing dream of the people of at least 20 villages of Baultali, Satpar, Sahapur and Karpara unions of Sadao Upazila of Gopalganj. The daily suffering of crossing the river, delays in transporting patients, the difficult journey of students – all are now a thing of the past. Now no one has to wait for the boatman at the ferry pier. There is no need to bring patients by boat and take them to the ambulance. Students can reach their educational institutions directly by car, regardless of the sun and rain. This change is not just a dream, but a reality.

After the opening of the Baultali Bridge, the locals can now easily travel to Ramdia, Ghonapara, Fukra, Rajpat, Orakandi, etc. areas of Kashiani Upazila in less time. As a result, both time and money are being saved for businessmen, farmers, and workers of all classes. Due to the easy accessibility of vehicles, farmers can market their products quickly and get good prices. Fishermen can bring fish to the market at low cost, which is accelerating economic prosperity.

Students and patients have benefited the most from the Baultali Bridge. Earlier, students used to take a long time to go to school, college, or madrasa. Now they can go directly to educational institutions by car. Patients can also reach the hospital quickly and receive advanced treatment. As the businessmen and farmers of the area can easily send their products to the city or outside the district, business and agricultural work has gained momentum.

According to the Gopalganj LGED office, the construction of the bridge began on July 12, 2017, at a cost of Tk 23 crore under the Gopalganj district’s important rural infrastructure development project. According to the contract, the work was supposed to be completed by December 2018. However, due to the complexity of acquiring land from the villagers for the construction of the approach on the western bank, the work time had to be extended several times. Finally, the bridge was opened for traffic by November 30, 2023 at a cost of Tk 30 crore.

After the bridge was opened, the economic picture of not only individuals or families, but the entire area has changed. Land prices have increased, profits have increased due to the rapid marketing of agricultural products and fish, and unemployment has decreased. The number of students enrolled in schools and colleges has increased, the rate of receiving medical treatment has increased, resulting in social development.

Many people, including Baultali Union Chairman Sukanta Biswas, local farmers Gopal Biswas, Hafiz Sikdar, and others, said that earlier, people of at least 20 villages on both sides of the river used to face endless harassment while traveling. Due to the bridge, the people of this area are now getting the same benefits as those of the city even from the village. It has not only provided financial but also mental peace.

The construction of the Baultali Bridge has increased the attendance rate of students and reduced the dropout rate. Earlier, many people used to drop out of school due to long journeys and hardships, but now that problem does not exist. As a result, this bridge is also making an important contribution to the human resource development of the area.

LGED Executive Engineer Ehsanul Haque said that a new road or bridge has a direct impact on the lives of the people of the area. Baultali Bridge is no exception. There has been a direct change in the lives of the people of 20 villages here, which is positive in all financial, social and human aspects.

The Baultali Bridge over the Madhumati Billroot Channel is not just a concrete bridge, it is a symbol of the hopes, dreams and development of the people of this area. The people of the area are now getting fast transportation, saving time and money, education, healthcare and improved business opportunities.