Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangabandhu Bridge Witnesses Heavy Traffic with 28,710 Vehicles Crossing in a Day
The Bangabandhu Bridge administration has reported a staggering toll collection of Tk2,35,49,800 within a span of 24 hours as 28,710 vehicles traversed the bridge, gearing up for the holy Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, a significant event in the Islamic calendar.
During the designated period from Friday morning to Saturday morning, the bridge saw a notable influx of vehicles, comprising 16,474 North Bengal-bound vehicles and 12,236 Dhaka-bound vehicles. Toll collection from North Bengal-bound vehicles amounted to Tk1,24,18,800, while Tk1,11,31,000 was amassed from those heading towards Dhaka.
This surge in traffic volume indicates a steady rise in vehicles on the highway in anticipation of the Eid holiday. To alleviate congestion, authorities have installed four booths for motorcycles alongside the existing 18 toll booths.
Since its inauguration in 1998, toll collection has been an integral part of Bangabandhu Bridge’s operations, currently managed by the Commuter System Network (CNS).
Commenting on the situation, Ahsanul Kabir Pavel, Executive Engineer of Bangabandhu Bridge, noted the increasing vehicular movement and emphasized the measures taken to manage traffic flow.
As anticipation for Eid grows, concerns about fare hikes arise among commuters. Shafiqul, a bus helper from Rangpur-bound Shyamoli Paribahan, anticipates slight fare increases, while Khandkar Iqbal Hossain, president of Tangail Bus Coach Minibus Owners Samiti, assures vigilance to prevent unjustified fare hikes by transport operators.
Despite the heightened traffic pressure, Mir Md Sajedur Rahman, outpost in-charge of Elenga highway police, assures smooth traffic flow, with no current congestion issues. However, he anticipates a surge in vehicles during the Eid holiday period.
