Drifting Cargo Ship Hits Kalurghat Railway Bridge In Bangladesh’s Chattogram

In an unexpected turn of events, the MV Samuda-1 cargo ship collided with the Kalurghat Bridge in Chattogram on April 30, 2024.

According to witnesses, the incident occurred at 12:30 p.m., when the ship approached from the west side of the bridge.

The incident occurred around the middle part, leading to a quick inquiry regarding its cause.

Jishan Dutta, a bridge engineer with the Bangladesh Railway’s Eastern Region, stated that the actual cause of the crash has yet to be determined.

He identified two possible causes: severe winds tore one of the vessel’s ropes, or the person in charge committed an error.

No sailors were found aboard the ship during the incident.

Following the collision incident, railway authorities and officials from a contractor company rushed to the site to inspect the damage.

“Initially, it appears that there wasn’t much damage. Still, we are looking into all possibilities,” said Jishan Dutta, indicating that a thorough evaluation is underway.

The Kalurghat Bridge is a vital route that connects Chattogram to various portions of the Boalkhali and Patia Upazila.

Its importance lies not just in facilitating the passage of automobiles but also in enabling train movement.

Interestingly, this incident occurs amid recent enhancements to the Kalurghat Bridge.

It was closed for refurbishment on August 1 last year in preparation for the Cox’s Bazar train route opening.

On November 5, the Cox’s Bazar rail route was officially inaugurated.

Railway Minister Zillul Hakim stated that the bridge might return to traffic around March if repairs were finished.

As the collision investigation continues and repairs are underway, residents and authorities remain cautious, emphasizing the fundamental need to preserve the integrity of infrastructure critical to regional connection and transportation.

Reference: BD News

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Source: Maritime Shipping News