In Bangladesh, the irony surrounding footbridges is evident as pedestrians often choose to jaywalk under them instead of using the structures. The difficulty of climbing stairs is a common reason cited for this behavior. Despite efforts to make footbridges more accessible by installing escalators on four of them in the capital city, their usage remains low due to most escalators being out of service presently.
A recent report revealed that several escalators malfunctioned shortly after installation, with some only operating at specific times. An official from the Dhaka North City Corporation acknowledged that contractors neglected maintenance due to incomplete payments. This situation raises concerns about payment responsibility, maintenance protocols, and the lack of a system to ensure the upkeep of public facilities funded by taxpayers.
This scenario is a reflection of a broader issue in Bangladesh where public funds are often misused on poorly planned infrastructure projects like bridges, culverts, and footbridges. These projects frequently serve private interests and benefit corrupt officials rather than addressing genuine public needs. Common flaws include bridges lacking connecting roads and footbridges with dysfunctional escalators. Despite significant taxpayer investments in these structures, accountability for their failures is lacking. The previous administration’s tendency to approve impractical projects, some of which led to widespread corruption, exacerbated this issue.
Experts point out that many countries have phased out footbridge construction in favor of more practical solutions like zebra crossings and crosswalks. They recommend implementing efficient traffic signaling systems, low-gradient footbridges, and maintenance-friendly designs for road crossings. While halting unnecessary footbridge construction is advised, maintaining existing structures is crucial. Contractors must be held responsible for timely repairs and preventing premature breakdowns, while city corporation teams should ensure footbridges are clean and free of illegal vendors to serve pedestrians effectively.