The use of bamboo and pieces of wood instead of iron to secure sleepers on railway bridges in Rajbari district has created concern among passengers. Due to this arrangement, questions have been raised about the safety of the bridge.
According to Rajbari Railway authority sources, out of 93 small and large bridges in the Rajbari railway area, there are 49 girder bridges and 44 culvert bridges. 9 trains ply on the Rajbari-Dhaka, Rajbari-Rajshahi, Rajbari-Khulna and Rajbari-Bhatiapara routes every day.
It can be seen on the ground that bamboo and wood have been used instead of iron in other bridges, including the largest railway bridge built during the British era over the Chandana River. Bamboo strips and pieces of wood have been used to secure the sleepers properly and are nailed to them.
The same situation has been seen in 8 railway bridges from Pangsha to Rajbari and three railway bridges in Gangaprasad area of Rajbari Sadar Upazila. According to passengers, although the use of bamboo and wood is a temporary solution, there are concerns about long-term risks.
Rajshahi University student Niloy Saha said that it is necessary to consider how effective bamboo will be instead of iron. This is increasing the risk of accidents.
Another student Saad said that high-speed trains operate on this railway line. Although train travel seems safe, such temporary measures cannot be accepted.
Passenger Nehal Ahmed believes that more effective methods should be adopted to protect government assets.
Rajbari Railway Deputy Assistant Engineer Md Mahbub Hasan said that bamboo and wood are used to prevent iron theft. This has been done for a long time and is kept under regular monitoring. He also claimed that there is no risk of accidents in this.
Passengers using this route have urged the concerned authorities to take immediate action to take more effective and sustainable steps to repair the bridge for the safety of passengers and the stability of the railway.
ZH
