After one month and 23 days of closure due to inundation, the iconic hanging bridge on Kaptai Lake, often referred to as the ”symbol of Rangamati,” has reopened to the public.
The local administration lifted a movement ban targeting the bridge on Thursday after water levels receded, restoring access to one of the district’s most popular tourist attractions.
The bridge had remained submerged since 24 July, when heavy monsoon rains and water from upstream caused the Kaptai Lake to overflow, prompting authorities to shut it down for safety reasons. The bridge is typically closed during the monsoon season, when flooding occurs.
Despite the reopening, no tourists were seen at the site on Thursday, likely due to the lingering effects of the travel restrictions imposed earlier in the district. A few local visitors were spotted crossing the bridge, but the usual influx of tourists was yet to return.
The authorities suspended ticket sales during the closure, said Ramjan Ali, a leaseholder at the Tourism Boat Ghat, adding that business in the area has been severely impacted by the months-long shutdown.
Local businesses that depend on tourism have struggled to recover from the losses incurred during the closure. With the reopening, many hope for an economic revival as the peak tourist season approaches.
Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Tourist Corporation, confirmed that the bridge has been cleaned and refurbished, expressing optimism about economic prospects in the coming months.
