In the lead-up to the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, vehicular movement over the Jamuna Bridge has surged to nearly twice the usual volume. Between midnight on Monday and midnight on Tuesday, a total of 36,923 vehicles crossed the bridge, generating a toll revenue of Tk 2.947 crore (29,471,660 Taka) in just 24 hours.
According to officials at the bridge’s toll plaza, under normal circumstances, 15,000 to 16,000 vehicles use the bridge daily. However, similar to the increased traffic during the Eid holidays, the pre-election period has witnessed a significant spike in movement.
For context, during last year’s Eid-ul-Azha holiday in June, a total of 228,047 vehicles crossed the bridge over five days, yielding Tk 16.764 crore in tolls. On the peak day—the day before Eid—48,184 vehicles used the bridge, generating toll revenue of Tk 3.437 crore.
Traffic flow data for Monday night to Tuesday night indicate a heavier movement towards the northern regions of Bangladesh:
| Direction | Vehicles Crossed | Toll Collected (Tk) |
|---|---|---|
| East End → North Bengal | 23,989 | 1,71,73,900 |
| West End → South Bengal | 22,034 | 1,15,33,750 |
| Total | 36,923 | 2,94,71,660 |
The surge in traffic is attributed primarily to people travelling ahead of the election period, similar to holiday rush patterns, and signals heightened mobility as citizens prepare to exercise their voting rights. Toll officials have noted that despite the increased volume, the bridge’s operations and collection systems have functioned smoothly, avoiding major congestion or delays.
This spike in toll revenue highlights not only the strategic importance of the Jamuna Bridge as a key transport artery linking northern and southern Bangladesh but also underscores the impact of national events on traffic and commerce. As election day approaches, authorities are expected to monitor traffic flow closely to maintain safety and efficiency on the bridge.
