Digital Toll Payment via bKash Introduced at Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover
From now on, drivers of buses, private cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles can pay tolls digitally via mobile financial service bKash when crossing the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover. The system is powered by RFID technology, already in use by regular commuters who have registered and collected RFID stickers.
On-site observation revealed that RFID stickers affixed to windshields are automatically scanned at the toll plaza, allowing vehicles to pass without stopping. Using this RFID system, tolls are seamlessly deducted from either bKash wallets or linked bank accounts.
Transport experts note that manual toll collection allows at best 300–400 vehicles per hour. In contrast, automated tolling increases throughput nearly fourfold, reducing congestion while maximizing road and bridge capacity.
Niamat, a Dhaka–Narayanganj public transport driver, described the digital toll payment system as a “VIP arrangement.” He added: “Previously, we had to wait in line at toll plazas and pay in cash. Now the toll is deducted directly from bKash. I drive straight through without stopping. I feel like a VIP.”
Private car owner Kabir Ahmed compared the system to that in developed countries, saying: “The biggest advantage of RFID is that the flyover can be used safely at any time, day or night. Not only the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover, but I urge that all toll collections across the country be made digital.”
Motorist Md. Manik highlighted convenience as the greatest benefit: “There’s no hassle with change. That’s the biggest advantage for me. Besides, as I live in Narayanganj, this makes my daily commute much easier. Everything is handled directly from bKash.”
Calling for broader adoption, Orion Infrastructure Limited’s Head of Operations, Md. Naif Uddin Khan, stated: “RFID use is reducing queues and increasing speed. The system benefits users through toll payment from bKash or bank accounts, while also making toll management easier for us.”
The service extends beyond cars, buses, and trucks. Motorcyclists using the Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover can also register via the bKash app and receive special RFID stickers for their bikes, enabling seamless toll payments.
Ahmed Zayan, a regular commuter who pays tolls through bKash, said: “Paying tolls via the bKash app is a very easy solution. I use this flyover daily. Previously, standing in long queues and paying in small change was very inconvenient. Now I just scan and pay directly from bKash.”
According to bKash authorities, commuters can register for RFID stickers at booths set up along different points of the flyover or directly via the bKash app. By selecting the “Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover” option under the toll icon and submitting necessary information, users receive an OTP on their mobile phones. Entering the OTP completes registration, after which users can collect their RFID stickers from nearby registration booths.
Similarly, to pay tolls, users can select the “Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover” option under the toll icon in the bKash app, choose “Add Trip” and “Pay with bKash,” and then complete payment by entering the trip count, account number, verification code, and PIN.
