Single interoperable toll network proposed for roads, bridges

A stakeholders' meeting has advanced plans to integrate Bangladesh's electronic toll collection systems across roads, bridges, flyovers, expressways, and tunnels under a single, interoperable platform, in a significant move towards a unified, cashless transport infrastructure.

The meeting, held at the Bridges Division conference room on Wednesday (24 June), reviewed a high-level committee's report on the feasibility of system integration.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridges Authority, presided over the session.

Representatives from government agencies, the private sector, technology experts and the media participated in the discussions.

Participants examined the proposed platform's architecture, which committee members said could be deployed cost-effectively and within a short timeframe.

Under the proposal, existing radio-frequency identification-based toll collection systems would be linked to a central network via application programming interfaces.

Given the scope of the project, the committee recommended implementation through the Information and Communication Technology Division or its affiliated organisations.

To streamline the user experience, it was decided that a single radio-frequency identification tag issued by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority would replace multiple tags issued by different entities.

An integrated mobile application is also planned, offering registration, toll information, digital payments and traffic updates.

Stakeholders and experts welcomed the initiative, emphasising robust systems and financial security, as well as simplified customer registration and toll payment processes.

Mohammad Abdur Rouf emphasised that smart infrastructure and cashless transactions are vital components of a modern transport network.

He noted that the nationwide expansion of expressways, tunnels, and flyovers has transformed the transport landscape, making fully automated toll plaza management essential.

He added that the unified system would help cut vehicle waiting times and reduce fuel wastage.

He expressed optimism that, following stakeholder input, a comprehensive and actionable roadmap would soon be submitted to the government.

The session also addressed the limitations and public inconvenience caused by disparate toll systems at facilities such as the Padma Bridge, the Jamuna Bridge, the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, the Mayor Hanif Flyover, and the Karnaphuli Tunnel.

Speakers stated that a unified toll system would enhance transparency and accountability, supporting the government's goal of establishing a cashless society.

Participants included representatives from the Road Transport and Highways Division, Local Government Division, Information and Communication Technology Division, Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, a2i, Roads and Highways Department, Dhaka South City Corporation, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Islamic University of Technology, Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, banks, mobile financial service providers and national media, who contributed technical recommendations.