Padma Bridge starts ETC registration drive in districts
Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) registration has commenced in districts on both sides of the Padma Bridge, as part of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority's push to modernise and expedite toll operations.
The ETC system is intended to streamline and enhance the efficiency of Bangladesh's transport network.
Secretary of the Bridge Division and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Bridge Authority, Mohammad Abdur Rouf, is overseeing the ETC rollout. Officials said the initiative aims to make the transport system more convenient and dynamic.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Information leaflets on ETC registration are being distributed to vehicles crossing the bridge.
Field-level ETC registration commenced on 3 April at the Golden Line Paribahan bus depot in Faridpur, utilising portable RFID scanners. Daily registration is also available at the dedicated booth at the Mawa end.
Registration drives will also be held in phases at Madaripur Terminal, Rajarbagh, Sayedabad and Jatrabari in Dhaka. So far, 546 vehicles have registered for ETC.
Tolls can be paid via banking apps such as TAP, bKash, Nagad and Upay. Vehicles are now able to cross Padma Bridge toll plazas non-stop at speeds up to 60 km/h using the ETC system.
According to officials, ETC users will benefit from faster and more seamless journeys across the Padma Bridge.
Key benefits include non-stop travel through toll plazas, time and fuel savings from reduced congestion, cashless transactions via digital wallets, and instant SMS notifications following each toll payment.
Mohammad Abdur Rouf said, "In line with the Prime Minister's instructions, we are committed to delivering public services. ETC registration will enable faster crossings of the Padma Bridge, contributing to enhanced economic activity."
Registration is ongoing at designated booths on both sides of the Padma Bridge. Authorities urge vehicle owners and drivers to complete ETC registration promptly to access the upgraded service.
Officials said the Padma Bridge is not only improving national connectivity, but also playing a key role in driving the economy forward.
