The Padma Bridge has generated Tk3,392 crore in toll revenue since its inauguration four years ago, marking a significant milestone for the national economy.
As a vital communication link, the bridge has simplified travel between the capital and the southern regions, leading to a steady increase in revenue from the growing volume of traffic.
The 6.15-kilometre bridge was inaugurated on 25 June, 2022, and officially commenced toll collection the following day, 26 June.
It has since provided a seamless connection for vehicles from 23 districts in the south and south-western parts of the country, significantly reducing travel difficulties and enhancing economic connectivity across the river.
According to data released by the authorities to mark the fourth anniversary, a total of 2,66,97,514 vehicles crossed the bridge via the Mawa and Janjira ends as of June 23 this year. This traffic volume resulted in a cumulative toll collection of Tk3,392 crore.
Abu Sayad Niloy, the executive engineer at the Padma Bridge Site Office of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA), confirmed that in the fourth year alone, up to June 23, the bridge was used by 72,51,072 vehicles.
Revenue for this single year, excluding Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), amounted to Tk890 crore.
The adoption of the Electronic Toll Collection system has also seen growth, with 919 vehicles currently registered, a figure higher than in the previous three years. Between September 15 and last Tuesday, 47,542 vehicles utilised the ETC system, contributing Tk8.51 lakh in cashless revenue.
Previously, for the three-and-a-half-year period ending 25 December 2025, the bridge had recorded a total revenue of Tk2,936 crore from 2,29,22,675 vehicles.
Yearly reports from the BBA highlight a consistent upward trend in traffic and earnings. In its first year of operation, from 25 June 2022, to 24 June 2023, the bridge served 56,94,899 vehicles and collected Tk798.60 crore.
In the second year, traffic rose to 68,01,374 vehicles with revenue reaching Tk 850.43 crore. During the third year, which concluded on June 24, 2025, a total of 69,77,334 vehicles crossed the bridge, generating Tk858.87 crore.
The highest single-day revenue record in the bridge’s history was set on June 5, 2025, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, when 52,487 vehicles crossed the bridge, yielding Tk 5,43,28,000. The second-highest record was established on May 26, 2026, with 45,602 vehicles generating Tk 5,03,24,450.
Other major revenue peaks include April 9, 2024, with Tk 4,89,94,700 from 45,204 vehicles, and June 14, 2024, when 44,033 vehicles contributed Tk 4,80,30,100. Additionally, on May 25, 2026, the bridge recorded Tk 4,80,15,350 from 44,008 vehicles.
Other notable dates include June 27, 2023, with Tk 4,60,53,300 from 43,137 vehicles, and June 6, 2026, when 40,118 vehicles generated Tk 4,47,94,300.
The Padma Multipurpose Bridge project was completed with a final expenditure of Tk 30,770.14 crore, saving approximately Tk 1,825 crore from the revised estimate of Tk 32,605.52 crore. Of the total cost, the Finance Division provided Tk 29,893.38 crore as a loan, while Tk 300 crore was a grant.
Under the loan agreement, the BBA is required to repay the amount with one per cent interest over 35 years. The repayment schedule consists of 140 quarterly instalments, which began in the 2022-23 financial year and is scheduled to continue until 2056-57.
