Lack of maintenance and repair has rendered the Shalki Bridge over the Shalki River in Domar upazila of Nilphamari almost unusable. Every day, thousands of people cross the bridge at great risk, and frequent accidents have turned it into a source of daily suffering for the local community.

A recent visit to the site revealed broken railings, a sunken deck, and cracks on the upper slabs of the bridge. The structure shakes violently whenever vehicles cross, prompting fears among locals that a serious accident could occur at any moment.

“This bridge has been in a broken state for years, but no repair work has been undertaken. Students and pedestrians cross it every day at great risk, and thousands of residents are suffering,” said Dulal Mia, a resident of College Para near the bridge.

Another pedestrian, Samiul Arefin Hridoy, said the bridge—located between Domar and Chilahati road—has long been in disrepair. “Every day, thousands of people cross it. The bridge trembles when vehicles pass. It urgently needs repairs before a major accident happens,” he added.

The Shalki Bridge over the Shalki River in Domar upazila of Nilphamari has become dangerously unfit for use due to years of neglect. Cracked slabs, broken railings, and a sinking deck have turned it into a perilous crossing, though thousands still use it daily.

Auto-rickshaw driver Mashiur Rahman said: “Every day, thousands of people cross this bridge. It is no longer suitable for use and could collapse at any time.”

Local residents say frequent tremors when vehicles cross the bridge make accidents almost inevitable. Students, pedestrians, and commuters alike face daily risks, with no alternative route available.

Domar upazila engineer Firoz Alam assured that reconstruction work will begin soon. “Preparations, along with all necessary documentation, have already been completed. Once the contract process is finalized, a team will be sent for soil testing and other preliminary work. We hope to begin all activities within this year,” he said.

Locals expressed hope that authorities will take timely action to repair or rebuild the bridge to ease public suffering and prevent a potential disaster.