Padma Bridge Prepares for Smooth Eid Travel with ETC Lanes and Full Toll Operations

To ensure a smooth Eid journey, all toll booths as well as Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lanes will remain fully operational, officials have directed. On Friday, 20 February, during an on-site inspection at the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge, new Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam was welcomed, and relevant officials were instructed on these measures by Bridges Division Secretary and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Mohammad Abdur Rouf.

Present during the inspection were Bangladesh Bridge Authority’s Director (Administration) and Additional Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh Altaf Hossain Sekh, Chief Engineer Kazi Md. Ferdous, other senior officials, and engineering personnel of the authority.

Accompanied by the Secretary, Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam conducted a field inspection of the Padma Bridge area and observed the toll booths. During the visit, the minister stated that the Honorable Prime Minister has graciously directed that public road travel be safe, smooth, and comfortable. He emphasized that all necessary measures should be taken to ensure the safety and convenience of travelers across the country, including the southwestern region, during the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

Following the minister’s directives, Bridges Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf instructed relevant officials to implement a coordinated 45-day plan, covering the period from the start of Ramadan through 15 days after Eid, to ensure orderly and unhindered Eid travel. He placed special emphasis on keeping all toll lanes and ETC lanes operational to handle potential traffic surges, deploying sufficient staff, and maintaining discipline and efficiency in toll collection operations.

During the inspection, the Secretary instructed that all toll booths and ETC lanes remain continuously active, ensuring faster, transparent, and seamless toll collection while significantly reducing traffic congestion. He also directed that necessary technical preparations and adequate staffing be ensured for this purpose.

Additionally, instructions were issued to have sufficient recovery vehicles, fire vehicles, and other emergency services ready to respond promptly and effectively to any accidents. Fire safety measures were to be strengthened, and continuous monitoring was to be maintained. Coordination and effective communication with local administration, highway police, fire services, and civil defense were emphasized.

The Secretary also instructed that ongoing bus-bay construction at the Mawa end be completed before Eid-ul-Fitr, making it accessible for the public. He noted that opening the bus bay will streamline passenger boarding, reduce congestion on the main road, and enhance the overall safety and comfort of Eid travel.

Furthermore, to ensure road safety, all shops and illegal structures built on government land adjacent to the Padma Bridge roads are to be removed to prevent any obstruction to vehicle movement and significantly reduce accident risks.

DBTech/MRS/IH/OR