Padma Bridge Achieves New Daily Records in Toll and Traffic

The Padma Bridge has set new milestones by registering the highest number of vehicle crossings and toll collection in a single day since its opening.

On 5 June, 52,487 vehicles passed through the bridge via Mawa in Munshiganj and Jazira in Shariatpur, marking the busiest day in its history, according to an official statement from the Bridges Division of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges.

The toll revenue on that day reached Tk5.43 crore, breaking all previous records.

Previously, the highest number of daily vehicle crossings was 51,316 on 26 June 2022, the bridge’s inauguration day, while the highest toll collected before was Tk4.89 crore on 9 April 2024.

To manage the heavy Eid holiday traffic, toll collection is currently conducted through seven booths. The entire bridge is monitored by CCTV cameras to maintain security.

Officials reported a significant increase in traffic heading toward the southern region from the Mawa side starting 5 June, which occasionally caused long vehicle queues.

Executive Engineer Abu Sayeed of the Padma Bridge site office explained, “Vehicle flow began to rise from 6am on 3 June, especially motorcycles. We added two temporary motorcycle booths, making three in total, to handle the surge.”

Law enforcement agencies have deployed additional patrol teams in the Padma Bridge area to ensure traveller safety.

Separate units of traffic police and highway police are active along the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, setting up checkposts and using speed guns to monitor and control speeding and dangerous overtaking.

Officer-in-Charge Md Abdul Kader Jilani of the Hashara Highway Police Outpost said, “Eight highway police units are securing the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge. Safety messages are broadcast through loudspeakers, and members of the Ansar force are assisting police personnel.”

These measures aim to keep traffic flowing smoothly and enhance the safety of all commuters during the peak travel period.