Padma Bridge rakes in record Tk 534mn in daily tolls amid Eid rush

As many as 52,487 vehicles have crossed the Padma Bridge in the last 24 hours, generating a record toll collection of Tk 543.28 million, the highest ever in a single day.

Altaf Hossain Sheikh, joint secretary and director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, said: "The Padma Bridge plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth journey home for Eid travellers. On Thursday alone, 35,985 vehicles entered via the Mawa end, generating Tk 316.43 million in tolls."

An additional 16,502 vehicles entered via the Zajira end, adding Tk 226.84 million to the total toll collection, he added.

The record was set on the first day of the extended 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday. Notably, even on Wednesday, which was a regular working day, the bridge raked in tolls worth Tk 409 million from 37,465 vehicles.

Previously, the record for the highest number of vehicles crossing in a day was set on Jun 26, 2022, the bridge's inauguration day, with 51,316 vehicles. The previous daily toll collection record was Tk 489.94 million on Apr 9, 2024.

The Padma Bridge will mark its third anniversary on Jun 25. Since its inauguration, the bridge has collected over Tk 24.52 billion in tolls and facilitated the crossing of more than 18.96 million vehicles, according to Altaf.