The bridge, which was inaugurated at the end of November, makes it possible for local villagers and travelers passing through the region to cross the canal much more safely and reliably than before.
In the past, local villagers in the unions of Norsingpur and Banglabazar relied on small boats or handmade rafts to cross the canal. Any significant rainfall would cause traffic across the canal – usually via bicycle and motorbike – to grind to a halt. Especially during monsoon season, the heavy influx from streams originating in India to the north would cause water levels to rise significantly. Not everyone was deterred by the deep water and strong currents, however, and many people – including local school students – would regularly risk their lives trying to get across. Accidents were not uncommon.
