Pedestrian bridge costing nearly $400,000 out of service two months after opening
A pedestrian bridge with escalators, built at a cost of approximately 39 million Bangladeshi Taka (nearly $400,000 USD), has been non-operational for most of its existence. The bridge was constructed in January 2020 in front of the Diabetic Hospital on Zakir Hossain Road in Chittagong city. Following its inauguration, the escalator system only functioned for a mere two months before ceasing operation. This significant infrastructure project, intended to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, has failed to provide sustained service to the public.
This infrastructure project highlights potential issues in the planning, execution, or maintenance phases of public works. The rapid failure of the escalator system after only two months suggests possible design flaws, inadequate construction quality, or insufficient long-term maintenance provisions. The substantial investment of nearly 40 million Taka raises questions about the value realized for public funds. Future projects of this nature could benefit from more rigorous oversight, independent quality assurance, and robust, pre-funded maintenance plans to ensure sustained functionality and return on investment, especially as urban infrastructure increasingly incorporates technological components susceptible to wear and environmental factors.
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