Padma, Jamuna bridges see highest Eid vehicle flow

Bangladesh’s two largest river crossings recorded their highest single-day vehicle movement ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, generating nearly Tk 9 crore in toll revenue as millions of people travelled home for the holiday.

According to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, both the Padma Bridge and the Jamuna Bridge experienced record traffic on Tuesday, May 26.

Officials said 45,602 vehicles crossed the Padma Bridge on the day, producing toll revenue of Tk 5.03 crore. 

Meanwhile, 56,239 vehicles used the Jamuna Bridge, where toll collection reached Tk 3.83 crore.

The combined toll income from the two bridges stood at around Tk 8.86 crore, according to bridge authorities.

Despite the heavy movement of vehicles during the Eid rush, authorities said traffic flow remained largely smooth this year, with no major accidents or severe congestion reported on either route.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam monitored the Eid travel situation from the BRTA control room on Thursday morning, reviewing live surveillance footage from both bridges.

State Minister Md. Razib Ahsan also visited the Padma Bridge toll plaza to inspect the situation on-site.

Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority Mohammad Abdur Rouf said authorities had taken extensive measures ahead of Eid to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel for holidaymakers.

The BBA said several steps were introduced this year to handle the increased traffic pressure, including additional toll lanes, trained toll collectors, dedicated motorcycle lanes and non-stop Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems.

Authorities also activated bus bays at Mawa and Elenga, strengthened surveillance-based traffic monitoring and kept emergency lanes open on the bridges.

Security personnel were deployed at regular intervals along the bridges, while rescue vehicles, medical teams and Fire Service units remained on standby throughout the holiday travel period.

To support the transportation of sacrificial animals before Eid-ul-Azha, livestock-carrying vehicles were exempted from weighing scale requirements to reduce delays on highways.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority said coordinated efforts by transport agencies, law enforcement and bridge management teams helped make this year’s Eid journeys more organised and comfortable for travellers.