Padma Bridge tolls cross Tk 8.0b in one year since opening

Collection of tolls from the Padma Bridge stood at nearly Tk 8.0 billion, 2.45 per cent of the total project cost, in the last one year to June 24 since its opening a year ago.

The figure was expected to cross the mark on Sunday - the day of the first year celebration of the dream bridge.

An average of around 15,000 vehicles used the 6.15-kilometre bridge, longest in the country, per day and a total of 5.67 million vehicles crossed it until the zero hour of June 24 last. The daily average tolls stood at Tk 21.8 million.

The toll stood at Tk 7.98 billion until Saturday night and is expected to cross Tk 8.0 billion on Sunday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader told a press briefing, marking the one-year celebration.

He pointed out that the collection of such an amount has been possible as it is mandatory for all but the President to pay the toll. On this day of last year, the inauguration of the Padma Bridge by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened a new era. To mark the day, the bridge was decorated with multi-colour flags.

"Since the opening, this bridge continues to provide uninterrupted services to the people," the minister said.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and all concerned who have contributed a lot to make the dream project successful, he said that the economic scenario of the 19 south-western districts is going to be changed for establishing the road connectivity with various ports, including land and sea ports at Payra and Mongla.

smunima@yahoo.com