Padma Bridge Toll Revenue Surpasses Three Billion

The Padma Bridge, Bangladesh’s longest bridge and one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, has generated over BDT 3,000 crore in toll revenue within 43 months of operation. Constructed at a total cost of BDT 30,770 crore, the bridge was officially inaugurated on 25 June 2022. According to the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA), this milestone reflects both the bridge’s strategic importance and its heavy usage.

All vehicles crossing the Padma Bridge are required to pay a toll, with rates varying according to vehicle type. These include motorcycles, private cars, buses, and heavy trucks. Current figures indicate that the bridge facilitates the movement of approximately 22,000 vehicles daily, generating an average daily toll income of BDT 2.5 crore. In December 2025 alone, toll collection reached nearly BDT 82 crore.

Connecting Munshiganj and Shariatpur, the Padma Bridge has significantly enhanced connectivity between the southern and southwestern regions of Bangladesh and the capital, Dhaka. Residents from 21 districts now benefit from shorter travel times, reduced transport costs, and improved access to markets.

BBA officials note that vehicle traffic and toll income have consistently increased since the bridge’s opening. They also emphasise the bridge’s broader economic impact: it has boosted employment opportunities and contributed positively to GDP growth, especially by streamlining the transportation of agricultural, fisheries, livestock, and industrial products.

The bridge is equipped with an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system at both ends—Mawa and Jajira—allowing vehicles to pay tolls automatically without stopping. RFID cards further facilitate seamless, rapid passage, significantly reducing congestion at toll plazas.

In a statement, the BBA expressed gratitude to vehicle owners, drivers, workers, law enforcement personnel, and all management and maintenance teams for helping achieve this toll revenue milestone.

The bridge was initially proposed in 2007 with an estimated cost of BDT 10,162 crore. Subsequent revisions increased the total project cost to BDT 30,770 crore. It has been financed through a government-provided loan, to be repaid over 35 years at an interest rate of 1 per cent, with quarterly instalments totaling 140 payments.

A portion of toll revenue is allocated to the government as a 15 per cent VAT, while contractors engaged in toll collection are paid for their services. For instance, Korea Expressway Corporation has been contracted for five years at BDT 693 crore. Additional funds are reserved for ongoing bridge maintenance and repairs, with the remainder directed towards servicing the government loan.

Padma Bridge Toll Revenue Snapshot