Kalkini Correspondent:
The old Kalkini Bridge, located on an important local road, has long been a vital route for residents and commuters. However, the bridge’s narrow structure and limited space are creating serious problems for vehicle movement, particularly during busy hours.

According to local residents, the bridge is quite narrow, with very little space on either side. As a result, two large vehicles cannot pass each other safely at the same time. When a bus or another large vehicle enters the bridge, vehicles coming from the opposite direction often have to wait, quickly creating congestion on both sides.

Recently, significant traffic congestion was reported around the bridge from approximately 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, leaving commuters stuck for nearly an hour. At one point, a Mahindra and another vehicle entered the bridge at the same time and became stuck around the middle of the bridge. This brought traffic from both directions to a standstill and caused a long queue of vehicles on both sides.

The situation becomes even more difficult when buses enter the bridge. In many cases, vehicles travelling in the opposite direction have to wait 10 to 15 minutes or even longer for a bus to cross. This causes considerable inconvenience to workers, students, patients, women, children and other commuters who depend on this route for their daily travel.

Local residents say the problem is not new. The bridge was built many years ago, and its narrow structure is no longer suitable for the increasing number of vehicles using the road. Because two vehicles cannot pass comfortably at the same time, even a minor obstruction can quickly turn into a major traffic jam.

Apart from causing delays, the narrow bridge also raises concerns about road safety. In an emergency, vehicles such as ambulances and fire service vehicles could face serious difficulties crossing the bridge quickly if congestion occurs.

Residents believe that a permanent solution is urgently needed. They have called for either the construction of a new, wider and modern bridge or the immediate renovation and expansion of the existing structure.

According to them, the increasing volume of traffic should be taken into consideration when planning the future of this important transport route. Temporary traffic management may provide short-term relief, but a permanent infrastructure solution is necessary to reduce recurring congestion and ensure safer transportation.

Local people are therefore urging the relevant authorities to inspect the bridge and surrounding area and take effective measures as soon as possible. A modern and wider bridge could significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and ease the daily suffering of thousands of commuters.