Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 21st March 2026, 3:36 PM
During the festive surge of Eid-ul-Fitr, thousands of people travelled home, creating unprecedented traffic on Bangladesh’s major bridges. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has reported record-breaking figures for vehicle crossings and toll collection on both the Padma and Jamuna Bridges, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s transport infrastructure.
According to the BBA, meticulous planning and coordinated traffic management ensured smooth and safe journeys for homebound travellers. On the Padma Bridge, from 17 to 19 March 2026, a total of 109,025 vehicles crossed, compared to 101,802 vehicles during the same period in 2025. Toll collection over these three days amounted to 12.0588 crore BDT, slightly higher than 12.00784 crore BDT in 2025, reflecting both increased traffic and improved electronic toll management.
Meanwhile, the Jamuna Bridge saw a one-day record on 18 March 2026, with 51,384 vehicles passing through, surpassing the previous maximum of 48,368 vehicles in 2025. Toll revenue for the day reached 3.51826 crore BDT, up from 3.46278 crore BDT in 2025. Despite heavier traffic compared to the previous year, no major accidents or significant congestion were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of the BBA’s traffic coordination and emergency preparedness.
The following table summarises the comparative traffic and toll data for both bridges:
| Bridge | Year | Date/Period | Vehicles Crossed | Toll Collection (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padma Bridge | 2026 | 17–19 March | 109,025 | 12,05,88,000 |
| Padma Bridge | 2025 | 17–19 March | 101,802 | 12,07,84,000 |
| Jamuna Bridge | 2026 | 18 March | 51,384 | 3,51,82,600 |
| Jamuna Bridge | 2025 | Max Day | 48,368 | 3,46,27,850 |
Experts have emphasised that these records reflect not only the increasing mobility of the Bangladeshi population during festive periods but also the efficiency and modernisation of the country’s bridge management systems. The BBA’s proactive deployment of staff, electronic toll collection systems, and real-time traffic monitoring contributed significantly to the safe and uninterrupted flow of vehicles.
A senior BBA official stated, “These figures demonstrate our capacity for strategic planning and operational efficiency. We are committed to maintaining and improving bridge safety and service quality to ensure smooth travel for all citizens.”
Overall, the new records on the Padma and Jamuna Bridges underscore the critical role of robust infrastructure and effective management in supporting national mobility and economic activity, particularly during peak travel seasons.
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