Rail and road communication via Kalurghat Bridge, the century-old bridge over the Karnaphuli River, have been suspended for three months to get some much-needed renovation work done. The authorities concerned of Bangladesh Railway said the movements of vehicles and trains through the bridge were suspended from Wednesday. After that the railway authorities will inaugurate it with the movement of the Cox’s Bazar-bound train, said Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Railway (East) Abu Zafar Mia. Padma bridge project cost increased further by Tk 1,117 crore Rail communication on the Chattogram-Dohazari route will also remain suspended until the reopening of the Kalurghat bridge, said Abu Zafar. Already the authorities concerned of the Roads and Highways Division have launched a ferry service under the bridge to ensure smooth crossing of vehicles. Two ferries will operate under the bridge while one will remain on standby. Bangladesh Railway appointed a contractor for the renovation work of the bridge, involving Tk 55 crore. Padma Bridge loan: Bridges Division pays 316.02 crore as 2nd two installments The authorities concerned also fixed the tolls for ferrying vehicles: Tk 5 for ferrying rickshaw, van, bicycle and cart, Tk 10 for motorbike, Tk 25 for three-wheeler vehicles, Tk 55 for private cars, Tk 90 for microbus and pickup, Tk 115 for minibus, Tk 135 for vehicles used in agriculture sector, Tk 170 for small truck, Tk 205 for bus, Tk 225 for truck, Tk 450 for heavy truck and Tk 565 for trailer. The bridge was the only means for ten lakh people in Boalkhali upazila to get to Patiya east zone, Rangunia south zone, Chandgaon and Mohora area of the city.

Stern legal action will be taken for carrying people in cargo vehicles, the Roads and Highways Division (RHD) said on Thursday.

Public transport services will remain suspended until April 25 in line with the extended general holidays.   The government took the decision to prevent the further transmission of novel coronavirus in the country, a handout from Roads and Highways Division said on Saturday.   However, important services, including food supplies, daily commodities, fuel, medicines, transport-related to medicines, agriculture goods, fertilisers, fisheries, animal and livestock, baby foods, and essential items will continue as usual.   The government declared general holidays from March 26 and suspended mass transport to tackle coronavirus outbreak. It shut down educational institutions, banned gatherings, imposed a restriction on movement and urged people to stay indoors to help the country fight the deadly virus.

The operation of public transport will remain suspended until April 11 aiming to prevent the spread of coronavirus, said the Roads and Highways division on Saturday.    Emergency services, fuel, medicine, vehicles carrying perishable goods and relief materials will remain out of the purview of the restriction.   No goods-laden transport will be allowed to carry passengers.