Govt announces Padma bridge tolls

The government has finalised tolls for vehicles crossing the Padma bridge, a step closer to its planned inauguration in June.

The tolls will be effective from the opening of the bridge, the government said in a notice on Tuesday.

Bangladesh’s longest bridge connecting Dhaka to southern districts is expected to open to traffic in June.

According to a gazette notification issued by the Bridges Division, Tk100 has been fixed as the toll for motorcycles, Tk750 for cars and jeeps, Tk1,200 for pickup trucks, and Tk1,300 for microbuses.

Moreover, 31-seat buses will have to pay Tk1,400, 32-seat buses Tk2,000, large buses Tk2,400, 5-ton trucks Tk1,600, 5-8-ton trucks Tk2,100, trucks weighing over 8-11 tons Tk2,800, big trucks (up to three axles) Tk5,500, trailer trucks (four axles) Tk6,000 and trailers (having more than four axles) Tk1,500 per axle.

Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would declare the inauguration date.

He also added that the whole country wanted to name the Padma Bridge after Sheikh Hasina because it came true only because of her initiative and courage.