Passengers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh has demanded the cancellation of the renewed toll lease for the century-old Kalurghat Bridge over the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram.
In a statement issued to the media today, the association's Secretary General Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury criticised the decision to reintroduce toll collection on the ‘outdated’ bridge constructed by the British government.
He said that there is no precedent for collecting tolls on expired bridges for over a century, adding that the construction cost of the Kalurghat Bridge was recovered decades ago.
The statement pointed out that the government had previously abolished tolls on several bridges, including the Babubazar and Postogola bridges in Dhaka, following demands from the association. This decision was made after construction costs had been recouped, emphasising that the Kalurghat Bridge's tolls should have ceased long ago.
As a crucial link between Chandgaon and Boalkhali in Chattogram, the Kalurghat Bridge has become a significant source of inconvenience for commuters. Despite repeated promises from successive governments to construct a new bridge, progress has been marred by delays. This has led to growing frustration and anger among residents of the region.
The statement further alleged collusion between railway authorities and vested interests to continue toll collection at exorbitant rates. Following the government’s fall on 5 August, toll collection was temporarily halted, bringing relief to the public. However, the reintroduction of tolls under a renewed lease has exacerbated public discontent.
The Passengers' Welfare Association has called for the immediate cancellation of the toll lease, urging the government to prioritise the construction of a new bridge without delay.
