The Padma Bridge has reached significant financial milestones, collecting a total of Tk3,429,45,25,550 in revenue from toll collections as of 29 June.
Since its opening to traffic on 26 June 2022, a total of 2,68,62,808 vehicles have crossed the bridge, significantly impacting the economy of the country’s south-western region.
Bangladesh Bridges Authority (BBA) official Md Abdu Rouf highlighted the historical foundations of the project, noting that the feasibility study was conducted between 2002 and 2005 during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia government.
The technical proposal from that study, which included a 4-lane highway and provisions for a future rail connection, played a pivotal role in the final design of the bridge.
The alignment at Mawa end was also approved by Khaleda Zia, establishing the Mawa-Jajira route as the primary corridor for connecting the south-western districts.
Built at a total cost of Tk30,770.14 crore using the Bangladesh government’s own funds, the bridge is subject to a repayment agreement between BBA and Finance Division. Under this agreement, a total of Tk36,000 crore, including interest at a rate of 1%, must be repaid over a 35-year period through 140 quarterly instalments.
To date, BBA has successfully deposited Tk2,516,68,84,000 into the government treasury through 16 instalments, with no payments currently in arrears. Besides, Tk 436,07,74,221 has been paid to the state as 15% VAT derived from the total toll collection.
The official that under the guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, and State Minister Habibur Rashid, BBA is currently developing a modern, automated, and digital communication network.
This includes the implementation of Unified National ETC Framework (UNEF) and other citizen-friendly programmes.
Official sources confirmed that the bridge’s maintenance and operations are being conducted according to international standards to ensure overall security and uninterrupted traffic flow.
The Bridges Division expressed confidence that by maintaining this positive trend in toll collection and financial discipline, all debts to Finance Division will be cleared within the stipulated timeframe, supporting the vision of “Bangladesh First”.
