Padma Bridge Collects Over Tk1,500 Crore Toll in 22 Months

The Padma Bridge in Bangladesh has collected over Tk1,500 crore in toll from 1.12 crore vehicles in the 22 months since its inauguration on June 25, 2023. The bridge, which connects the capital Dhaka with 21 southwestern districts, has had a significant impact on transportation and connectivity in the region.

According to officials, the Padma Bridge has reduced travel time and costs for people living in the previously disconnected districts. "The bridge has transformed the road transport sector, with over 1,000 new buses added to the fleet and the number of trips to the southwestern districts increasing from 150 to around 500," said a spokesperson from the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.

However, the bridge has had the opposite effect on waterways, with a significant decrease in the number of passengers using launches and ferries. Many people who previously relied on water transport are now opting for the faster and more convenient road route via the Padma Bridge.

Why this matters: The Padma Bridge is a major infrastructure project that is transforming connectivity and economic opportunities in Bangladesh. Its impact on transportation patterns and regional development highlights the far-reaching consequences of such large-scale investments.

For many Bangladeshis, the Padma Bridge has been a long-awaited dream come true. "The bridge is not just a structure; it is a symbol of the country's development and progress," remarked a local resident who regularly uses the bridge to visit family in Dhaka. The Padma Bridge serves as evidence of Bangladesh's efforts to improve infrastructure and bring communities closer together.

Key Takeaways

• Padma Bridge in Bangladesh has collected over Tk1,500 crore in toll from 1.12 crore vehicles.
• Bridge has reduced travel time and costs, with 1,000 new buses and 500 trips to southwest.
• Bridge has decreased waterway passenger traffic as people opt for faster road transport.
• Padma Bridge is a major infrastructure project transforming connectivity and economic opportunities.
• Bridge is a symbol of Bangladesh's development and progress, bringing communities closer together.