Padma Bridge toll collection reaches Tk3,429cr: Bridge Secretary

Padma Bridge has generated Tk3,429.45 crore in toll revenue from 26,862,808 vehicles until 29 June, said Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.

He said the bridge, constructed at a cost of Tk30,770.14 crore with the government's own funds, has been contributing positively to the economy since it opened to traffic on 26 June 2022, a day after its inauguration.

Regarding the loan repayment and toll collection activities of the bridge, Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the Bangladesh Bridge Authority has so far deposited Tk2,516.68 crore in the state treasury in 16 instalments from toll revenue.

He said no instalment remains outstanding.

Under the agreement signed between the Bangladesh Bridge Authority and the Finance Division for the construction of the Padma Bridge, the authority is required to repay Tk36,000 crore, including interest, over 35 years at an interest rate of 1%.

The amount is to be paid in four instalments each fiscal year, totalling 140 instalments.

In addition, Tk436.08 crore has been deposited in the government treasury as 15% VAT on the total toll collected, he said.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the bridge's maintenance and operations are being carried out properly, while regular maintenance work is being conducted in line with international standards.

He also said overall safety measures have been taken to ensure smooth movement across the bridge.

Referring to the project's early planning, he said a feasibility study for the construction of the Padma Bridge was completed between 2002 and 2005 during the government led by the late former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

The study included a technical proposal for a four-lane highway and initial provisions for future rail connectivity, which later played an important role in formulating the final design of the bridge, he said.

Based on the recommendations of the feasibility study, Khaleda Zia approved the bridge alignment at the Mawa end, he added.

As a result, the Mawa-Jazira route became the major route connecting the country's southwestern region, he said.

The boundaries of land required for the bridge's approach road and river management works at both the Mawa and Jazira ends were also determined during the period, while a preliminary design was prepared.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the work carried out between 2002 and 2005 helped ease the finalisation of the design and the path towards the main construction work.

He said the Padma Bridge has changed the economic prospects of 21 districts in the southwestern region.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority is also working to develop a modern, automated and digital communication network, he said.

He added that the authority remains committed to implementing the Unified National ETC Framework and other public-friendly programmes to improve the country's communication infrastructure, support economic growth and contribute to building "Bangladesh First".